Men's Cross Country Growing Into Contender In The PSAC

WEST CHESTER, Pa. - West Chester University's men's cross country squad lifts the lid on its 2014 campaign this weekend with a closer knit group led by a trio of upperclassmen, hopefully, leading the way to a much improved finish at the conference championships come November. The importance of seven returning runners was something that head coach Andy Huber emphasized as he believes that it will help to build chemistry. The Golden Rams were selected 12th in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference preseason coaches' poll. "This year, our men seem to be a lot closer than they were last year in terms of personality and work ethic, but also in terms of ability," Huber said. "We don't want one runner finishing as far ahead in the race as they can, but rather, we would like to have our five scoring runners finish as close together as possible." Huber is going to rely on senior Zack Musselman, who is projected as the No. 1 runner for the Golden Rams this upcoming season. "Musselman has taken the lead so far this year," Huber explained. "He has done a good job getting everyone on the right page." James Vadas and Jake Siegel are a pair of juniors making great strides. Siegel looks to build upon his strong finish with the track & field team last spring when he qualified for the 10K at the PSAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Two sophomores that Huber believes will be productive are Nick Angelina and Andrew Dombrowiecki. That one year under their belts gave them a chance to learn and allow the team to come closer together. Last season was a learning experience for the Golden Rams as they grow closer together as a team this fall. Huber will look to Musselman as the team leader while they compete within a very tough PSAC. West Chester opens its 2014 fall slate Saturday at the Division II Challenge in Kutztown, Pa. Two weeks later the Golden Rams head to the Lock Haven Invitational.