by Steven Fernandez
Daily Lobo
Last season, Dylan Rose-Coss was not one of the most recognizable faces on the UNM cross country team.
This year, Rose-Coss may be expected to contribute a whole lot more.
"His role is going to be completely different than what he's had before," UNM head coach Matt Henry said. "His role before has been to try to kind of make the team. I think last year he took some steps forward and did some nice things."
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Rose-Coss, a sophomore, said he is ready for the challenge to be one of the difference-makers on the team. The team has not started official practice yet, so Rose-Coss said he's not exactly sure where he stands. But when the season starts, he said he wants to be one of the scoring runners.
"It's undecided right now," Rose-Coss said. "Things will get sorted out in the next few weeks. If things go well for me, I should be in the top five for sure."
Henry also said he expects Rose-Coss to be a scorer - one of the top-five runners - on this year's team. Henry said Rose-Coss has what it takes to fill that role.
"It's good for him," Henry said. "I think he's able to tackle that task, and we're going to be great with what he's going to try to do for the team."
Rose-Coss said he spent the summer working a lot in Espa§ola and did not get the normal training he is used to. He also dealt with a minor leg injury. However, he said he's confident he built a good base and just needs to work on his speed a little more to be in top shape when the season starts.
After graduating from Santa Fe High School in 2003, Rose-Coss took more than a year off from competitive running. He said he worked at a ski resort in Colorado and kept in shape by running on his own, riding a bike, lifting weights and hiking.
Rose-Coss transferred to UNM from Colorado Mountain College before the 2004 season, and he was unsure if he was in good enough shape to compete for a Division I college after such a prolonged time off from competition.
Although he wasn't as fast as he had been, he said he was surprised that he didn't lose as much strength as he thought.
"I didn't necessarily get back in real quick, but I was surprised just at the load I was able to take," Rose-Coss said. "I was able to handle more training than I was able to in high school, and my body definitely came around quicker than it did in high school."
Rose-Coss said after high school he was worn out and needed a break. Now, he said he is grateful he has the opportunity to race again.
"It's actually really exciting," Rose-Coss said. "I'm happy that Matt Henry and UNM have given me the opportunity to compete at such a high level, and I'm excited about what our team can accomplish this year."
Last season was somewhat of a rebuilding year for the men's cross country team. After the team finished a program-best ninth at the 2004 NCAA Championships, the 2005 team featured a lot of new faces and failed to qualify for the NCAAs.
Rose-Coss said this year's team can be more successful if everyone comes together.
"If Jeremy (Johnson) and Juan (Ortega) and Joe (Garcia) are in excellent shape, then they're ready to compete with some of the best kids in the country," Rose-Coss said. "I think we can surprise some people this year with what we can accomplish."
Henry said Rose-Coss is one of the key runners and can help lead the team to success if he fills his role.
"He's going to be a big part of this year's team," Henry said. "I'm anxious to see what Dylan can do for us."
