IU looks to defend title at Intercollegiate meet

The Indiana women's cross country team is loose, but focused. Even one of the Hoosiers' top runners, Kelly Siefker, can take a moment to joke as she describes this year's team. \n"We are fun, fast girls who look awesome sporting adidas apparel," the senior said.\nHowever, Siefker and the Hoosiers are all about business when the time comes. The team's strategy is simple and looks to capitalize whenever possible. \n"(Our strategy is) to run hard but run smart. Train, don't strain ... yet," Siefker reminds. "This is a long season."\nThe long season will see an early test at 3:30 p.m. Friday on the Hoosiers' home course as IU has the benefit of hosting this year's Indiana Intercollegiate cross country meet. The race will strictly feature teams from the state of Indiana.\nFreshman Ashley Sommer will be running in this event for the first time and attempting to use the instruction of the coaching staff to her advantage. \n"Coach Wilson expects us to start the race strong and in good position, and if we need to, we should work our way forward throughout the race," she said. \nThe Hoosiers, who placed first out of 25 teams last season, are attempting to defend their Indiana Intercollegiate team title from last season. All teams from the state of Indiana will attend with the possible exception of Notre Dame. \nAlso in action is All-American Jessica Gall, who won the individual title for Indiana last year and looks to repeat once more. \nBesides the obvious implications for the Hoosiers' season, the plethora of talented runners in the race, and the fact that the meet is for the title of "best in state," senior Larra Overton is ready to go. But at the same time, she sees the race as another great Bloomington event. \n"The weather is supposed to be great on Friday," Overton said. "There will be over 200 college runners from across the state, so it's a great opportunity to experience Indiana running tradition"