Men & Women's Cross Country Preview
Men’s Cross Country Preview
The importance of seven returning runners was something West Chester University men’s cross country head coach Andrew Huber emphasized.
Returning seven runners helps build chemistry as they were selected 12th in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference preseason poll.
Huber believes that “this year our men seem to be a lot closer than they were last year in terms of personality and equal work ethic, but also in terms of ability.” Huber wants his team “not just finishing as far ahead in the race as you can, but having your 5 scoring runners finish as close together as possible.”
Huber is going to rely on senior Zack Musselman who is projected as the number one runner this upcoming season. “Musselman has taken the lead so far this year. He’s done a good job getting everyone on the right page,” stated Huber.
James Vadas and Jake Siegel is a pair of juniors making great strides. Siegel looks to build upon his strong finish with track and field last season when he qualified for the 10k at the outdoor conference championships.
Two sophomores that Huber believes will be productive are Nick Angelina and Andrew Dombrowiecki. That year under their belt gave them a chance to learn and allow the team to come closer together.
Overview
Last season was a learning experience for this years’ squad as they come closer as a team. Huber will look to Musselman as the team leader while they compete against the PSAC.
Schedule
The first meet is Saturday, September 13th at the Division II Challenge in Kutztown, PA. Two weeks later the Golden Rams head to the Lock Haven Invitational.
Women’s Cross Country Preview
There are high expectations for West Chester University’s women’s cross country this season with five runners returning under Head Coach Andrew Huber.
Leading the way is junior Amanda Eisman who has received all Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and All-Atlantic Region in her first two years. Huber did not hesitate to discuss how Eisman has continued to improve and reflects confidence by stating “a top four or five finish at the conference championships if not challenging to win it” is realistic.
Senior Leigh Manning-Smith is another key returner for this squad. Manning-Smith heads into the season with something prove, just missing out on all conference and all region last season. Another returner expecting to make a difference is junior Caitlin Cheruka.
In addition to the returning runners, freshman Meghan Iatarola is a player to watch. Iatarola was a four time state high school qualifier at Central Bucks East from Doylestown, PA.
Two transfer students looking to make an impact are graduate Laurel Jones from Elizabethtown and Alie Smith out of Washington and Jefferson. Jones provides experience as she was on “Elizabethtown’s National Championship qualifying teams the past couple years and was a great addition that we were not expecting,” Huber said.
Overview
The Golden Rams were ranked 10th in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference preseason poll.
A strong nucleus led by Eisman and Manning-Smith has them believing they can reach their goal of being top five in the PSAC conference.
Schedule
The first meet is Saturday, September 13th at the Division II Challenge in Kutztown. Two weeks later the Golden Rams head to the Lock Haven Invitational.
