By: Brendon Paucek, UWEC Sports Information

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – Following 2015's 16th place finish at the NCAA Division III National Championship meet, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's cross country team has high expectations for the upcoming season.

The women will miss last year's senior class and All-American Lucy Ramquist; however, the future is young and bright.

"We have a very young team, so that's exciting," said Schwamberger. "I think if things went well, they can definitely place higher than what they placed last year. Anything is possible."

Although the season has barely begun, Captains Melody Becker (Sr.-Osseo, WI), Erika Owens (Sr.-Chiton, WI), Katie Wood (Sr.-Milwaukee, WI/South), and Callie Fischer (Jr.-Ashwaubenon, WI) aren't placing a low ceiling on the season's possibilities either. "This may be one of the deepest teams we've had since the women won nationals in 2009," said Becker.

"The sophomores made a huge impact on the team success last year and I have no doubt that they are ready to do the same thing this year," said Owens.

The dream goals are certainly on the ladies' minds; however, both Schwamberger and the team realize dream goals don't just happen. "It's more about the day-to-day things, getting good sleep, staying ahead on homework, eating right, and just trying to focus on those things you can control everyday," Schwamberger said. "If we do that, I think the outcomes happen."