UNLV cross country pursues new pace

Khadevis Robinson might just be the only man alive capable of reviving the UNLV cross country team.

Robinson, hired in January to replace distance coach Tony Houchin, takes over a program that has foundered under numerous coaches for years.

The coach acknowledges some significant obstacles to overcome, but he will rely on his experience to help bring respect to the team.

As the Rebels travel to Reno to open their season at the Nevada/Jim Vanden Huevel Twilight Classic on Saturday, Robinson will remind himself that there’s nowhere to go but up.

“I’ve got a nice group of girls,” said Robinson, a native of Fort Worth, Texas. “Almost too nice. My challenge is to make sure they believe in themselves and understand what is expected.”

Robinson’s credibility as a coach is beyond question. The 2004 Olympian is a four-time U.S. indoor and outdoor champion in the 800 meters. He continues to compete at an elite level, having qualified for the semifinals of his event at the IAAF World Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Daegu, South Korea, late last month.

“I want the girls to buy into it,” Robinson said. “But I want them to say, ‘It’s not just about his running. He knows something about coaching, also.’ ”

But Robinson admitted that his new job has been tougher than expected.

“I knew it would be a challenge, but I didn’t anticipate some of the small stuff,” said Robinson, who noted that it’s not always easy to get his athletes to take care of simple things such as eating and sleeping right. “But that’s all right.”

The eight Mountain West Conference coaches recently chose the Rebels to finish last in their annual preseason poll. Though the rebuilding process could take three to four years, Robinson said, his squad will be better than predicted.

Two new recruits could help make the difference. Melissa Cortez, a junior transfer from Los Angeles Trade Tech, and Amanda Berg, a freshman from Alta Loma, Calif., are expected to give the team a boost.

“Both of these girls came back to school in shape,” Robinson said. “They ran over the summer, and that helps.”

Robinson has two key returners on his roster as well. Junior Lauren Petersen is considered the team’s top returner, and senior Ali Bartosch also looks strong. Robinson is not expecting miracles, but he said a respectable season is possible.

“Everything is centered toward conference for us,” he said. “The first couple meets are going to be a challenge. This is a different program from what they were used to.”

But Robinson’s long-term goals are a priority for the moment.

“You’ve got to be able to recruit,” he said. “It’s one of the main things I have to focus on. All you really need is one or two really good girls, then you can start to build your program. I’m going to truly have to build from the ground up.”

The UNLV Desert Invitational on Oct. 1 will highlight the Rebels’ four-meet regular-season schedule. The season will culminate with the MWC championship on Oct. 29, with the NCAA West Regional to follow on Nov. 12.