CHAMPAIGN – It probably should come as no surprise that middle-distance runners generally aren't too crazy about cross-country.

After all, which sounds more appealing: running 800 or 1,500 meters on an even track or logging 5,000 meters over some hilly countryside?

"A lot of runners do just tolerate it," Illinois junior Tara Mendozza said. "That's kind of the outlook I took my freshman and sophomore year: 'Oh my God, I've got to run three miles!' It was too long."

Could this be the same runner, then, who earlier this season asked Illini coach Michelle Byrne to enter her in more cross-country races than their previously agreed-to quota?

It's true, Byrne said.

When Mendozza was recruited by the UI, the agreement was to enter the four-time state track champion from Colorado in no more than four cross-country meets a season – Big Ten and NCAA district races included.

But here was Mendozza telling Byrne she was ready, willing and even eager to take her spot at the starting line on a regular basis. And she would have if not for being waylayed by illness before the Purdue Invitational in early October.

"For her to actually come in and verbalize that is a big deal," a thrilled Byrne said.

Why the conversion? Mendozza said it's because she's come to understand the importance of distance training in getting prepared for her track specialties: the 800 and 1,500 meters.

"I thought as far as base training goes, I didn't think I needed to limit it," she said of her cross-country competition. "I think I understand more what cross-country training is doing for me. If you look across the board at the elite middle-distance runners, they can run anything from the 800 up to the 5K at very fast times. ... If I plan to be one of the top milers, I need to get among the top cross-country runners."

But Byrne suspects something else also may have been at work in Mendozza's change of view. Something called success.

"I think it's just indicative she's starting to enjoy what she's doing as far as running a cross-country season," Byrne said. "A little bit of success can change one's opinion."

Mendozza won't deny it.

"This year, I've come to like it," she said. "I actually kind of like the distance race."

There's been much to like, too, about Mendozza's distance running this fall.

After failing to figure in the team scoring in two of the four meets she ran in last year, the Aurora, Colo., native has been the UI's top finisher in each of the three races she's run in 1998. Twice she's come close to being No. 1 overall, placing second in the Illinois State Open and third in the UI Invitational.

Byrne credits Mendozza's breakthrough to a dedicated summer of training. It was apparent when Mendozza returned this August to the UI that she was markedly stronger.

"What I thought was lacking for her before was that strength element," Byrne said. "Now that's in place, and I think that's why she's having the type of cross-country season she's having."

The most telling indicators of Mendozza's progress no doubt will come in the postseason, starting with Sunday's Big Ten Championships. A year ago, when traditional powerhouses Wisconsin and Michigan accounted for 14 of the top 16 finishers, Mendozza was 32nd. This year, those two teams enter the No. 8 and No. 3 rankings in the nation.

"I'm looking to run my best race and run with the top people," Mendozza said. "I'm definitely looking to be in the top 15."

Big Ten Cross-Country

Men

What: 84th Big Ten Cross-Country Championships

When: 11:30 a.m. Sunday

Where: Ann Arbor, Mich.

Distance: 8 kilometers

Defending team champion: Michigan

Top returning individual: John Mortimer, Michigan (second in 1997)

Illinois' 1997 finish: Ninth

Illini entrants: Chas Berckmann, Ryan Eason, Dan Horyn, Andrew Kurtz, Cortney Lamb, Mike Lucchesi, Scott McClennan, Jon Russell, Jason VanSwol

Illini outlook: After three consecutive fourth-place finishes in the Big Ten meet, Illinois fell hard last year. The Big Ten is experiencing one of its strongest years, with four teams currently ranked in the top 18 and another having been ranked earlier in the season. Junior Scott McClennan, who's been the UI's top finisher in eight of 11 races over the past two seasons, needs help from the likes of Russell, Lucchesi and Lamb if Illinois is to move up.

Coach Gary Wieneke's comment: "These guys have worked extremely hard, and it just would be nice to see them execute and reward themselves for the work they've put in."

Women

What: 18th Big Ten Cross-Country Championships

When: 10:45 a.m. Sunday

Where: Ann Arbor, Mich.

Distance: 5 kilometers

Defending team champion: Wisconsin

Top returning individual: Katie McGregor, Michigan (first in 1997)

Illinois' 1997 finish: Sixth

Illini entrants: Shannon Burke, Erin Grabski, Lindsay Martin, Tara Mendozza, Candace Nicholson, Laura Robbins, Lindsay Speer

Illini outlook: Illinois has been stuck on sixth place the last two years. If the Illini can move into the first division, it would be their second such finish since 1985. UI coach Michelle Byrne expects this field to be tougher than the one her Illini will face in the NCAA District IV meet. Mendozza and Martin have come on strong.

Coach Michelle Byrne's comment: "The key for us will be getting five runners as close as we can. We've talked (about packing) within one minute. We've been as close as 1:22."