WICHITA - Cross Country coach Josh Schepis has looked for and received help from many different directions for the 2010 Newman Cross Country team. With eight new freshmen, two four-year transfers, and a junior college transfer, the Jets hope to improve on last season's second and third-place Heartland Conference men's and women's finishes, respectively.

The men's team returns three previous All-Heartland Conference performers in Chris Taylor, Brock Mintie and Kyle Graber. Schepis has bolstered the Jets' depth by adding Jake Stecklein, a former All-Missouri Valley Conference performer at Wichita State, and junior college All-Region runner Edward Shikuku. These two runners will bring leadership and college experience to a young but talented group.

"This could be the most talented group of freshman that Newman has ever seen," Schepis said.

Bishop Carroll product Cliff Kissling led his team to a Kansas 5A state championship last season. Peter Neidhart and Conner Penney were both all-conference performers and state championship qualifiers during their high school careers, while Heights grad Brandon Deck will add much-needed depth and talent to this year's team. Sophomore Zach Ball will be counted on to step into the team's top five.

The Lady Jets will look to replace school record holder and All-Heartland Conference runner Melissa Ortiz, adn hope to do so with depth and young talent. With four freshmen, the women will lean on returners Katie Hamlin, Tatum Walden and Kristen Rodriguez. High school league champion Taylor Carlson (Rose Hill HS) will be counted on to lead the women's team on the course. Julie Randall, Natalie Englert and Tiana Hacker all come from high school regional championship teams, and bring a great understanding of the team concept. Stephanie Riley will look to improve on her 2009 campaign by moving into the top seven this season.