Both the Iowa Central men's and women's cross country programs have recently established themselves as perennial contenders for the coveted NJCAA national crown.

Now, Dee Brown's squads will look to continue their rapid progression when they hit the course this fall.

The Triton women are seeking their third straight national title, while the men are hoping to rebound from a sixth-place finish a year ago after a runner-up showing in 2007.

"I think our women are still at the same level they have been the past two seasons," said Brown, a two-time defending women's national Coach of the Year. "We have several key people back, so we're definitely expecting to challenge for a spot in the top three again.

"We have a solid month of preparation already under our belt and are working extremely hard."

Returning All-Americans Agnes Kapsoiyo, AG Bradford - a multiple Class 4A state high school track champion from Davenport North - and Kara Keller supply Brown with a quality nucleus on the women's side, following the departure of All-American Joyce Cheruiyot. Kapsoiyo ran a school record time 17:49 at the national meet last season, earning individual runner-up honors.

Also back in the mix for Iowa Central are veterans Sanchia Lee and Amanda Vorthmann, who was named to the Coaches Association All-American list for United States citizens in her rookie campaign.

"It'll be very exciting to see how much improvement we can make as the season goes on," Brown said. "The last two years we've won (the national championship) pretty handily, but you never know what the other teams are going to have.

"I do like our experience, though."

Meanwhile, the Triton men will lean on sophomores Titus Kiplimo, Matt Juhl, Terence Lee and Liberio Niyiragira. Kiplimo garnered All-American accolades with a 13th-place effort at nationals last season.

Finding capable replacements for departed All-American nominees Stephen Dak -a two-time 4A state high school cross country champion at Marshalltown - and Joshua Sawe will be the main priority for Brown.

"Our guys probably don't have as much talent as the girls, but their strength is their cohesion," said Brown. "They have an outstanding work ethic and desire to succeed.

"We just want to have a lot of fun this season."

Prairie Valley graduate Tara Goodale is on the Iowa Central women's roster. Mikhail Markov (Fort Dodge) and Adam Heatherington (Prairie Valley) are each vying for action on the men's side.

Brown envisions another rugged Region XI race against the likes of Iowa Western and NIACC.

"It'll be a very close regional championship," Brown said. "It should be awfully fun to watch, but I think we can catch (Iowa Western and NIACC) if we run to our potential."

Contact Josh Meyer at (515) 573-2141, or by e-mail at sports@messengernews.net