ANDERSON, S.C. -- Anderson College head cross country coach Leroy Thomas is optimistic both of his teams can have banner seasons in 2003. The Lady Trojans are coming off their first-ever Carolinas-Virginia Athletic Conference title, while the men's team is anxious to make a serious challenge for the CVAC championship. Both teams open the 2003 season Saturday morning at Spartanburg. "The women's championship was two years in the making," Thomas said. "I'm hoping we're going to be a stronger team, so I think we will make a good effort at defending the title. We have home course advantage again at Pine Lake, and we know the course well. We're going to have a big price on our heads. We need to be aware of that and change our strategy but that's a good position to be in. Our No. 1 goal will be to go to the nationals as a team." The AC women will be led by Ashley Smoak (Jr., West Columbia, S.C.), who had a breakout sophomore season. Smoak finished in the top four in eight meets, won one individual title in the AC Invitational, finished second in three other meets, and participated in the Division II national meet. "Ashley had a phenomenal season last fall," Thomas said. "I was expecting that type of season her junior or senior year, but she has progressed by leaps and bounds. She's been training hard and she's in shape. I expect her to pick up where she left off. Her main focus this year is to win the CVAC and getting to nationals again." Thomas says the key to Smoak's 2002 season was a dramatic increase in confidence. "She became very competitive in her racing," he said. "She believed she could get out there and race. Every meet she got stronger and stronger and more confident. She developed on her own. This year, we're going to increase the workload for her because she's got a lot more improving to do. She's definitely going to be the favorite to win the CVAC meet." In addition to Smoak, three other veterans - Jill Morris (Sr., Aiken, S.C.), Deanna Pepper (Sr., Hendersonville, N.C.), and Kassi Lakes (So., Peak, S.C.) are back along with Erin Fitzgerald (So., Taylors, S.C.), who is returning from a shoulder injury. "Kassi had a great season last fall, and Deanna is always dependable and always produces," Thomas said. "We're happy Erin is back and finally over her injuries." Thomas is expecting immediate contributions from Hope Wheeler (Fr., Pendleton, S.C.) and Ashley Hughes (Fr., Chesnee, S.C.). "I think Hope is right up there were Jessica Merrill was, and we watched Ashley beat some college runners in a meet last year," he said. The men's team finished sixth in the CVAC meet last season. "We need one or two guys to break through," Thomas said. "We don't have anyone at the moment who wants to get out there and have a go and make a serious crack at it. Everyone is watching each other. What we need is one guy to take the reigns. We're searching for that guy, and we're searching for the right combination." John Hembree (Jr., Easley, S.C.) is AC's top returning runner. He recorded four top-10 finishes last fall. Thomas is expecting major contributions from newcomers Patrick Burt (Fr., Monroe, Ga.) and Jordan Prescott (Fr., Bronx, N.Y.). "Patrick is going to fit in well, and he's talented enough to be a front runner," he said. "Once that happens, I think he will drag two or three more out there with him. Jordan is more of a track guy, but he runs cross country, and he will give us more strength." For the second straight year, AC will be the host school for the CVAC championship meet. The meet will be held Friday, Oct. 31 at the Pine Lake Golf Club. "We've got to produce again," Thomas said. "Last year was a good opportunity for us and it brought a lot of attention to AC. Many of the coaches were impressed with last year's meet. Pine Lake has been great. I hope we can produce the same class of meet this year."