Cross-Country Maintains Seventh Place in the Atlantic Region

Kutztown, PA (September 29, 2009) – The Kutztown University women’s cross-country team remains in seventh place for the second week, according to the latest Atlantic Regional poll released Tuesday by the United States Track and Field Cross-Country Coaches Association.

The Golden Bears, which ranked sixth two weeks ago, had off this past weekend. Kutztown has competed in three events thus far. Kicking off their season, the team placed third at the Lehigh Valley Champions meet. Kristin Cupido (Bridgewater, N.J./Bridgewater-Raritan) and senior Maureen Watson (Walnutport/Allentown Central Catholic) crossed the line third and fourth, respectively.

The Golden Bears hosted the Kutztown Invitational on September 12, placing first overall. Junior Cristina Reimer (Chester Spring/Downingtown East) finished first with a time of 25 minutes 32 seconds. Senior Steph Grimm (Fleetwood/Oley Valley) finished in second place, with a time of 25:38.

Kutztown traveled to the Br. Doyle Meet of Champions on September 19 to compete among the nations’ elite. Placing 14^th overall, the Golden Bears had two runners finish in the top 50. Freshman Becca Brandt (Cleona/Cedar Crest), was the highest KU finisher, crossing the finish line in 43^rd place at 24 minutes 21 seconds. Cupido was 47th, finishing six seconds after Brandt. 

The squad, coached by Ray Hoffman, has yet to compete as a unit this season. They return to action this weekend when it runs at the Paul Short Invitational hosted by Lehigh University. 

The top eight spots in the weekly regional poll are held by Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) members. Shippensburg is the top team followed by Slippery Rock, Lock Haven, Millersville, Edinboro, and Bloomsburg. Ranked behind Kutztown are East Stroudsburg, West Virginia Wesleyan and Alderson-Broaddus. The last two schools are members of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC). 

The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) is the non-profit professional organization that represents men's and women's cross country and track & field coaches in the United States. The organization represents over 8,000 coaching members, including 91% of NCAA coaches. USTFCCCA serves as an advocate for cross country and track & field coaches, providing a leadership structure to assist the needs of a diverse membership, serving as a lobbyist for coaches' interests, and working as a liaison between the various stakeholders in the sports of cross country and track & field.

--KU--