Moniteau picked up the Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference crown last year and placed third at the District 9 Class AA meet.

That could just be an appetizer for what might lie in store for the Warriors this year.

The team returns three strong sophomores in Amy Gladd, Nikki Stiner and Samantha Kristufek. Gladd was the district champion and state qualifier, and Stiner also made it to the PIAA championships.

Throw in senior leadership from Alison Mets, Jenna Beatty, Jodie Davis, Jill Davis and Lisa Fisher, plus the return of junior Alyssa Deal, who did not run a year ago, and the Warriors could be eyeing a season to remember.

The following are previews for the upcoming girls cross country season:

Coach:John Neff, fourth year2003 record:5-5 overallReturning letterwinners:Sophomores Jessica Vernon, Molly Evans and Fontaine GrahamKey losses:Leisl Soergel and Sarah BarnesCoach's comment:"The best we've finished in recent years is 13th, but I think this year we could finish in the top 10 if a couple more runners come along."

Coach:Randy Huey, 18th year (after one-year absence)2003 record:5-4 overallReturning letterwinners:Juniors Kelsey Sullivan, Jessica Rinaman and Lauren Bezier and sophomores Clara Watson and Marissa BehningKey losses:Brittany Cully and Susan FletcherCoach's comment:"We are a little more spread out among runners, but individually, we have a few that are top-flight runners. We have to try and get them to pack more."

Coach:Wess Brahler, fourth year2003 record:9-13 overall, 0-7 in the sectionReturning letterwinners:Junior Amber Wilks and Kristin RobbKey loss:Rachel FertelmesCoach's comment:"We can't tell who'll step up, but the kids are real excited to be on the team. This is a close-knit bunch. They're all friends."

Coach:Bill Donovan, second year2003 record:14-1 overall, 7-0 for first place in sectionReturning letterwinners:Seniors Katie Dederer and juniors Brittany Zaborowski and Kaitlin ThompsonKey losses:Brooke Kosar, Ashley Brooks and Meghan HowesCoach's comment:"We're now running as a Triple-A school and (athletic director) Scott Heinauer told me we're the smallest Triple-A school in the WPIAL. It's pretty bad timing, but we'll have to get used to the competition. We'll still run as Double-A, but have to qualify at AAA."

Coach:Bob Livrone, seventh year2003 record:8-6 overallReturning letterwinners:Seniors Lorri DeLibero and Samantha Carnahan (injured early last year); juniors Melanie Lutz and Kristen Knappenberger and sophomore Kristen PrazenicaKey losses:Cherie Buday and Jodi CaroCoach's comment:"We have a strong core group returning. The girls have been working hard all summer and are very competitive. Riverview's probably the best team in Section 4, but we're expecting a shot at the title."

Coach:Tony Consbruck, first season2003 record:13-1 overall, MCAC championsReturning letterwinners:Senior Emily Skoczlas and junior Janelle HartzellKey losses:Erin Cranmer-Hart and Nadya MamoozadehCoach's comment:"We've got a large team, the largest team in Slippery Rock history. Our junior high has 40 kids. We're looking for a promising future."

Coach:Mike Sample2003 record:5-6 overallReturning letterwinners:Seniors Nikki Greenwalt and Ariana Thompson, and juniors Nicolette Hickly, Maggie Consbruck and Cassie JohnsKey losses:Rachel Littlefield and Emily ConsbruckCoach's comment:"This is a tight-knit group. They'll be a very good team if they learn to be competitive right now. They need to have that hunger. They've got to be a little meaner in the races. They have to go out and get it, not let it come to you."

Coach:Don Loughry, 25th year2003 record:N/AReturning letterwinners:Senior Genny DavisKey losses:NoneCoach's comment:"Genny's our lone runner for the second year and she's qualified for the state meet the past two years."

Coach:Jim Metz, fourth year2003 record:9-2 overall; 4-0 in the KSAC to win conferenceReturning letterwinners:Seniors Alison Metz, Jenna Beatty, Jodie Davis, Jill Davis and Lisa Fisher; junior Alyssa Deal (lettered as freshman, did not run last year) and sophomores Amy Gladd, Nikki Stiner and Samantha KristufekKey losses:Krista Smith, Brittany Beachem, Whitney Kinman and Melissa CasperCoach's comment:"I have great expectations, but my biggest fear is always injuries. We have a lot of kids out, a lot of junior high kids. We have six boys and six girls. That's a nice foundation."

Coach:Randy Carmichael, 10th year2003 record:3-5 in the KSACReturning letterwinners:Senior Asten Himes, junior Sara Smith and sophomores Megan Booth and Charlotte MerrymanKey losses:NoneCoach's comment:This is a very competitive group. Megan missed going to states by 10 places and beat the last girl who went to states in an earlier race. I'm hoping to get them to compete in the (District 9 meet). That's the long and short of it."

Coach:Luke LaVan, first year2003 record:No teamReturning letterwinners:NoneCoach's comment:"We have five girls (seniors Becky Wolfe and Sarah Girard, juniors Sara Doran and Amanda Schnell and freshman Caitlin Girard) and just one boy (John Dunkerley) on the varsity teams. We have 10 girls and seven boys in junior high. We just want to let them enjoy running. This is just a building year. I hope the kids enjoy it and hope they join the varsity team in a couple of years."