Cross country looking to bounce back from injury-riddled season

By Paul Mullin

Looking to improve upon up-and-down seasons last year that were marred by injuries, the men’s and women’s cross country teams have set out to meet success, with their reigning most valuable players in tow.

With the return of junior John Smith and sophomore Andrea Campbell, last year’s most valuable players, both teams are, according to Head Coach Rob Pasquariello, looking ready to go.

“Our biggest strength is that we are competitive,” he said. “They all came in ready to run, and in great shape. They obviously did their summer running.”

The men’s team ended last season with a best finish of second place at the Rider Invitational, and a lowest placement of 18th at the NCAA Regional Championships. The women showed their best during a first-place finish at the Rider Invitational, and also did their worst at the NCAA’s, finishing 26th.

This year we are really looking to build on what we started last season,” Pasquariello said. “Our newcomers all ran really well for us, and our upperclassmen should continue to improve.”

The men’s team, without a senior on the roster, will look to Smith and fellow juniors T.J. Westen, Andre Fearon and Jeff Stead, all letterwinners, to lead the charge this year. Sophomore Matt Dahl, also a letterwinner, should play a significant role as well.

The women’s team, led by Campbell and senior letterwinners Jennifer Lee and Laura Carpenter, will receive additional support from sophomore Kelly Wojciehowski and a team dominated by freshmen and sophomores.

While both teams are fairly young, Pasquariello has no doubt that, following the fulfillment of one very important requirement, they should meet success.

“We really need to stay healthy,” he said. “Some of our top kids are a little injury prone. If we can stay healthy, then we can compete with just about every other team in the conference.”