Harriers look to rebound
Rule No. 1: Put the Team First.
"Cooperation is a thorough conviction that nobody gets there unless everybody gets there."
Meeting together once a week to discuss the book Pulling Together: 10 rules for High Performance Teams is just one of Iowa women's cross-country coach Layne Anderson's training techniques that encourages teamwork.
Coming off of a substandard end to a promising 2009 season, Iowa leans on team cohesion for help.
"If anything, it drew this team closer together," Anderson said. "I think it motivated the group just a little bit more. And I really believe that they have the attitude this year."
"We're going to take control of our own destiny and run our way into the meet."
After three-consecutive years of earning an at-large bid, from 2006-08, Iowa failed to qualify for the NCAA championships in 2009.
"I think missing [the NCAA meet] was a really big disappointment but also a blessing, because we are more motivated now," junior Betsy Flood said. "And we don't really have a [standout], but knowing we can all be that together is great."
Without a front-runner, senior Lauren Hardesty said, there has been an emphasis on the value of teamwork.
Promoting cross-country through teamwork enhances the ability of each individual runner, Anderson said.
"If the team does well, then that means each of the individual components have done very well," he said. "People are actually going to achieve even more individually than they ever would because now they are doing it for other people."
With last year's top five scorers returning and a talented recruiting class coming in, Hardesty is confident the Hawkeyes will be successful this year.
"We train as a group, so it will carry over into the race because staying with that group as much as you can will make your race that much more consistent," she said.
Anderson said he would not be surprised if different people led Iowa in each meet, and he foresees a variety of runners taking the initiative.
The roster includes 26 runners. Twelve will compete in races; the top five will count in the team's score. Although the scoring process shrinks the team down to a small number, Anderson said, there are other ways to add to the overall success.
"Be a difference maker," he said. "Find a way to contribute. If you're not in uniform and you're not racing, be a good teammate. Be a great supporter. Come out and cheer.
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