With a strong crew of returners and incoming speed, the Cyclone women's cross country team is looking for big things in 2021.

Having a better handle on competing safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, this running season already is shaping up to look like normal competition days. Last season, the Cyclones were besieged by injuries in an already small roster. Now, they have a full lineup with tough returners and speedy newcomers.

All-Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference runner Olivia Wrobel (Richards) is back and in better shape than her 10th place finish in the Skyway championship race last year. Also returning are Jasmeene Guido (Eisenhower) and Stephanie Tuscher (Sandburg), both with strong work ethics and tough mentalities needed to battle through their on and off injuries. They'll all lend their experience to the incoming freshmen.

Maria Thurman (Stagg), Isabelle Vaccaro (Andrew) and Natalia Wrobel (Richards) are new to the team. Natalia and Vaccaro are two of the fastest recruits the program has had, said Head Coach Dimitri Dimizas, in his sixth season leading the program. Along with Olivia, they will be the top runners. Thurman brings impressive times from her competition days in high school and should be a big contributor as well.

"As long as everyone steps up, I feel we have a good chance at a conference championship with this group," Dimizas said.