Men hope for solid season opener while women looking to recapture first place at Maroon and Gold Invitational

KUTZTOWN, PA. (September 10, 2009) – The Kutztown University men’s and women’s cross-country teams host the annual Maroon-and-Gold Invitational on Saturday September 12. The Golden Bears welcome Drew University, Albright College and Middlesex Community College to campus for the festivities. The women’s race begins at 10:00 a.m. followed by the men’s race at 10:50 a.m.

The women are hoping to capture first place for the second consecutive time at the Maroon and Gold Invitational. Coming off a solid season opener last weekend in third place at the Lehigh Valley Collegiate Championships, the women’s cross country team had three of their five runners finish in the top ten.

Junior Kristin Cupido (Bridgewater, N.J./Bridgewater-Raritan), and senior Maureen Watson (Walnutport/Allentown Central Catholic), captured spots three and four while freshman sensation Becca Brandt (Cleona/Cedar Crest) secured the number eight spot. Freshman Lindsay Smith (Bel Air, M.D./C. Milton Wright),debuting in her first collegiate match, grabbed 24^th place while teammate Jill Kostishion (Hilltown/Pennridge), followed directly behind, rounding up the team and securing third place overall.

Two women, who did not run last week were junior Christina Reimer (Chester Springs/Downingtown East) and senior Steph Grimm (Fleetwood/Oley Valley). Reimer was a member of the all-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) team last season. Grimm is running her first race since an injury cut her season short last year. Grimm was a qualifier in the 1,500, 3,000 and 5,000-meter distances last year.

Returning from a season-ending injury last year, Grimm, a 2007 transfer from West Virginia University, is more than ready to take her stance at the starting line. This meet last year was only one of two Grimm performed in. And perform she did, capturing first place overall in 25 minutes.

The men’s team is ready to take the spotlight this weekend for their season opener at home in the Maroon and Gold Invitational. Placing second last year at the Maroon and Gold Invitational, the men are eager to showcase their training on the 6,000-meter course.

“The men are just ready to shake the rust off and get started this season,” said coach Ray Hoffman said. “The race should be interesting for the team.”

The men’s race may have the most intrigue as Hoffman is looking for somebody to emerge as his No. 5 runner. Hoffman has a solid foursome of senior Ben Loht (Lewistown/Indian Valley), junior Kevin Rodgers (Clifton Heights/Upper Darby), sophomore Frank Nick (Kintersville/Palisades) and sophomore Ryan Reich (Oley/Oley Valley).

Competing in a meet for the first time will be sophomore Eli Weeks (Pottstown/Owen J. Roberts), freshman Harry Latchford (Enola/East Penn), and freshman Joe Dyas (Westhampton/Rancocas Valley). Hoffman is expecting good things from that triumvirate.

“Eli has shown a big improvement for us in the last couple of weeks,” Hoffman said. “I am excited to get everybody on the course and running against live competition.”

This meet is a perfect tune-up for next weekend’s Iona Challenge in New York.  

--KU--