KALAMAZOO, Mich.- The Western Michigan cross country coaching staff has announced that senior Claire Gilbert and junior Sarah Anderson will serve as captains for the 2017 season.

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"Being a team captain is a huge responsibility," commented WMU associate head coach Taryn Sheehan. "We expect our captains to be leaders, dedicated and focused every single day. Being chosen by your teammates is a huge vote of confidence for an athlete's attitude and ability. The two will provide positive leadership for our group moving forward this season."

The two have led the Broncos in each of the events they have participated in this season.

Gilbert boasted an impressive run at the George Dales Invite on Friday, Sept. 8 as the senior finished fourth overall against reigning Mid-American Conference Champion Eastern Michigan runners with a personal record 6K time of 21:36. Gilbert followed that performance with a 22^nd overall finish at the Spartan Invitational leading all Broncos with a 6K time of 22:30.

"Claire has worked incredibly hard through injuries and this shows a huge vote of confidence by her teammates," added Sheehan. "Her hard work, resilience and grit have helped set the tone for the team."

Anderson enters the season after a successful sophomore year finishing 19^th overall at the MAC Championships and second on the Bronco squad. The junior has participated in one event this year and cracked the top-10 at the George Dales Invite with a time of 22:06 finishing third for the Broncos behind Gilbert.

"Sarah exemplifies what a coach looks for in a leader," said Sheehan. "Her dedication to help create a positive successful team culture is unparalleled and she is a great role model for our young team."

After the weekend off, the Broncos are back in action on Friday, Sept. 29 participating in the Notre Dame Invitational.