By Andrew Hattersley

The cross country team experienced highs and lows last year unlike many teams ever face.

The Mustangs tragically lost their teammate Hannah Catherine Moss on March 18, 2014.

In what seemed like a devastating blow to the team, the team rallied around each other through orange “When it hurts most, laugh” shirts, as well as through various social media posts.

The women’s track and field team was on a mission the rest of the season and it showed with their incredible work ethic and passion for each and every meet.

The remarkable season was capped off with an outdoor conference championship that left the Mustangs with a triple crown in victories over the previous year.

The Mustangs won the 2013 Cross Country title last fall, followed by the 2014 AAC Indoor Championship, but the season was topped off with the 2014 AAC Conference Outdoor Championship.

The cross country team was able to advance to Nationals with their second place finish at the South Central Regional Championships. The goal this year, to get right back to that spot.

“Having placed second last year and making it to Nationals, it is again the experience of our returns that are going to have a huge impact on this outcome,” Caitlin Keen said. “Making it to Nationals for the second year in a row is on everyone’s minds.”

The goal first and foremost however is to win conference first in route to once again reaching Nationals.

“Having won Conference last year and for five out of the past six years, I can tell you that the teams first goal to accomplish together is to win again,“ Cross Country Graduate Assistant Caitlin Keen said.

Although a season removed from their three championships, this team will continue to keep Hannah in their thoughts and remember the inspiration and impact that she made to this team.

The cross country team opens its season in Waco, Texas on Friday for the Bear Twilight Invitational at 7 p.m.