By Marissa Kenney

Kutztown, P.A. (September 4, 2009) -- Developing the program around the old saying, “quality over quantity,” cross country coach Ray Hoffman says this year’s women’s cross country team is already proving to be more of a challenge than last year in terms of the number of runners, while the men are looking at another rebuilding year.

Despite graduating three of their top five runners, the women’s team was picked to place 4^th overall in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference by the preseason coaches’ poll.  The women capped out last season by placing third at both the PSAC Championships and the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regionals, ranking 12^th in the nation overall.

“The women are experiencing, for the first time in six years, not as much depth as previously,” says Hoffman, who is entering his 10^th season as KU’s head cross country coach and second year as track & field coach.

Don’t fret. Although the women’s team may experience a transitioning phase this year, the returning members do make up for a strong backbone. Returning this year is senior Steph Grimm (Fleetwood/Oley Valley), who suffered a devastating season ending injury last year after competing in just two meets. Placing first at the Maroon and Gold Invitational and 39^th at the Penn State Invitational, Grimm is itching to take her position on the track this season.

Returning runners, juniors Kristin Cupido (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan), and Cristina Reimer (Chester Springs/Downingtown East), finished as All-PSAC for KU at the PSAC Championships last year by placing in the top twenty. They will be joining Grimm on the track, alongside senior Cheryl Dingman (Lansdale/North Penn) to create a promising front line. Dingman broke the school record with a time of 10:12.21 in the 3000 meter. The new addition to the team is standout freshman Becca Brandt (Cleona/Cedar Crest). Brandt was a top high school runner in Pennsylvania, who finished 5^th in the 3200 meter run at the PIAA State Championship last year.

But perhaps the secret weapon for the team is found within senior Maureen Watson (Walnutport/Allentown Central Catholic). An All-Atlantic Region during her freshman year, Watson is hoping to regain this honor this season. Watson competed in the PSAC and Regional Championships, finishing 76^th and 46^th respectively last year.

“Watson had her best pre-season camp this summer,” Hoffman said. “It exceeds her performance as a freshman. She will be our biggest surprise this year.”

With injuries hurting more than just the individual players last year, training camp this year for both teams was designed to focus on base mileage, core work, and strength workshops. However, health is not the only challenge the men’s team is facing this year. The men are one of the youngest teams in the conference, and picked to finish this season in 11^th place by the preseason coaches’ poll. The team finished 11^th in the PSAC Championship. They wrapped up the season placing 14^th at the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Championship.

With a nine member roster containing four freshman, Hoffman confides “This is the second rebuilding year for the men.”

Returning members and team captains are senior Ben Loht (Lewistown/Indian Valley) and junior Kevin Rodgers (Clifton Heights/Upper Darby). Proving to be the Golden Bears’ strongest runners for the team, both personality and outstanding leadership led by example to the younger boys. Loht placed 55^th and 50^th at the PSAC and Regional meets. Rodgers finished 39^th and 40^th.

Sophomores Frank Nick (Kintnersville/Palisades), and Ryan Reich (Oley/Oley Valley), will be perfect compliments to Loht and Rodgers, especially after completing an outstanding training camp this summer.

“The challenge for the young team,” Hoffman explains, “is the freshman adjusting quickly to collegiate training. Training for high school cross country is different than training for a collegiate team. If the freshman step it up, we could have a solid 5 out front.”

The women kicked off their season on Saturday September 4^th at the Lehigh Valley Invitational, placing third, behind Lehigh University and Lafayette University. They return home to join the men at the Maroon and Gold Invitational on September 12^th for a 10am shotgun.

--KU--