NORFOLK, Va. - The Norfolk State women's cross country team goes from being the hunter to being the hunted in 2010. After the Spartans captured their first-ever MEAC title in 2009, NSU will open the 2010 season looking to build on last year's success with the label of favorite on its back.

The Spartans' lineup will be bolstered by the return of three All-MEAC performers, including three-year all-conference honoree Jennifer Chichester (Silver Spring, Md.). Chichester was fourth at the 2009 MEAC championship in a 3.1-mile time of 18:50.92. It was her fastest time of the season.

Sophomore Kellen Rutto (Eldoret, Kenya) is back after a strong freshman season. Rutto came on late, earning All-MEAC honors with her sixth-place finish and also pacing the Spartans at the NCAA Southeast Regional. Rutto's best 5K time was her 19:00.57 mark at the conference championship race.

Head coach Ronda Berard also welcomes back junior Jamia Hutto (Orlando, Fla.). Hutto also improved as the season progressed, running her personal-best time at the MEAC Championship. She placed 15th in 19:52.55, and coaches are looking for bigger and better things from her in 2010.

The same can be said of the team's other returnees, junior Syeeda Gee (Philadelphia, Pa.) and sophomore Mercy Koech (Londiani, Kenya). Both were steady contributors in 2009 who will battle for positioning in NSU's top five.

The Spartans will look to a number of newcomers to add depth. One “newcomer” to the team will be senior Elaine Rhoades (Norfolk, Va.). Rhoades, the Spartans' standout track and field performer, will try her hand at cross country this fall. Three freshmen will also factor into the mix: Rayiana Johnson (Philadelphia, Pa.), Tyler Savage (New Kent, Va.) and Ashley Sessoms (Hampton, Va.).

The Spartans open the 2010 season on Saturday, Sept. 4 at the UMES Lid-Lifter.