Clarke College Head Coach Adam Hinders and his 2008 men's and women's cross country teams are looking forward to the 2008 season.

Hinders, who garnered All-American track and field honors at the University of Northern Iowa, is in his first year as the college's cross country coach. Hinders joined the Clarke coaching staff last year as the college's head track coach.

Hinders' 2008 women's squad includes three returning veterans and four newcomers.

Back from last year are senior Jessica Clegg, of Clinton, Iowa, junior Jessica Crain, of Waukesha, Wis., and sophomore Carley Freund, of Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Joining Clarke's women's cross country programs this year are junior Samantha Leslie, of DeWitt, Iowa, and freshmen Katie Hemesath and Ashley Thibadeau, both of Dubuque, Iowa, and Ariel Leonard, of Warrenville, Illinois.

Hemesath and Thibadeau are both products of Wahlert Catholic High School.

Clarke's men's cross country team consists of senior Aaron Cox, of Wheaton, Ill., junior Nate Smith, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, sophomore Hunter Hills, of Swisher, Iowa, and freshman Daniel McNamara of Dubuque, Iowa.

McNamara was a two-year state qualifier in cross country and a three-year state track participant at Wahlert Catholic High School.

Clarke will open the 2008 season on August 30 at Mount Mercy College Mustang Gallop.