[FarmTeam]

Actually by mentioning Riggs I was hoping someone knew something about her.  I may hear something today

Sure, let us know if you hear something. I'm more plugged into the men's team than the women's, but all I know is that (a) Irene hasn't raced in 16 months and not once at Stanford, (b) she had a a serious hip injury, and © she hasn't been spotted running or even mentioned on the many social media outlets related to Stanford XC (personally or team; workouts or races). I think it's pretty safe to assume that she's not racing this season, nor wouldn't have the fitness to do so even if healthy.

I hear good things about the men's team coming together as a "team." Team-building is not Ricardo's strength as a coach, but the guys have taken it on themselves. It means something to have team cohesion -- in workouts, races, culture, social life -- rather than a bunch of individuals getting their work in and putting on the uniform for races, which is what recent years have been like. This group is different and is gelling. 

It also helps that Ricardo seems to have realized some of his coaching mistakes and is working to rectify him. Crushing 10 mile dead-flat tempos on hard-packed dirt in perfect conditions at Baylands only goes so far in prepping a team for Nats on tough, hilly courses on grass in bad weather. The difference in training this season is striking.

[FarmTeam]

Actually by mentioning Riggs I was hoping someone knew something about her.  I may hear something today

Sure, let us know if you hear something. I'm more plugged into the men's team than the women's, but all I know is that (a) Irene hasn't raced in 16 months and not once at Stanford, (b) she had a a serious hip injury, and © she hasn't been spotted running or even mentioned on the many social media outlets related to Stanford XC (personally or team; workouts or races). I think it's pretty safe to assume that she's not racing this season, nor wouldn't have the fitness to do so even if healthy.

I hear good things about the men's team coming together as a "team." Team-building is not Ricardo's strength as a coach, but the guys have taken it on themselves. It means something to have team cohesion -- in workouts, races, culture, social life -- rather than a bunch of individuals getting their work in and putting on the uniform for races, which is what recent years have been like. This group is different and is gelling. 

It also helps that Ricardo seems to have realized some of his coaching mistakes and is working to rectify him. Crushing 10 mile dead-flat tempos on hard-packed dirt in perfect conditions at Baylands only goes so far in prepping a team for Nats on tough, hilly courses on grass in bad weather. The difference in training this season is striking.