Looking for an Encore

SELINSGROVE, Pa. — After finishing third in both the men’s and women’s team standings at the 2000 Middle Atlantic Conference Championships, the Susquehanna University cross country program will look for a return to the upper echelon in 2001.

Third-year head coach Craig Penney will rely on veteran leadership on the men’s side and returning depth on the women’s team as the Crusaders make a run at MAC powers Elizabethtown and Widener at the men’s championship and Moravian and Messiah in women’s competition.

“This year’s team is an outstanding group,” said Penney. “They are hard-working and committed to excellence, and the nucleus of the squad is ready to reach for a higher level.”

Seven letterwinners are back for the 2001 season for the men’s team while the women welcome back a total of eight letterwinners, including senior tri-captain Delina Cefaratti, who studied abroad during the fall 2000 semester and did not compete for the Crusaders.

Men’s Preview

Senior co-captain Mike Lehtonen (Laurens, NY/Morris Central H.S.) was the Crusaders’ top finisher at the 2000 MAC Championships as he placed fourth in a time of 26:53.92 over the eight-kilometer course, just 42 seconds behind individual champion Joe Fent of Scranton. He was joined in the top 10 by sophomore Ryan Gleason (Johnstown, PA/Westmont Hilltop H.S.), who took seventh with a time of 27:06.83.

“Mike and Ryan give us quality at the top of the lineup,” said Penney.

Sophomore Ryan McGuire (West Babylon, NY/West Babylon H.S.) should also be a factor in the lineup after a strong rookie campaign that culminated in a 28th-place finish at the MAC championships.

Senior co-captain Jake Trevino (Danville, PA/Danville H.S.) was a solid runner in the middle of last season’s lineup, and placed 23rd at the MAC championships with a time of 28:07.19, while senior Rob Logan (Mountaintop, PA/Crestwood H.S.) ran under 30 minutes at the MAC championships last fall.

The leading contenders to crack the top five among the freshmen are Leif Kauffman (Warminster, PA/Central Bucks East H.S.) and Tyson Snader (Lancaster, PA/Manheim Township H.S.).

Women’s Preview

Senior tri-captain Kimberly Owen (Hummelstown, PA/Lower Dauphin H.S.) finished eighth at the MAC championships last year, while junior Angela Luino (Oakland, NJ/Indian Hills H.S.) and junior tri-captain Erin Colwell (Belleville, PA/Indian Valley H.S.) placed in the top 15 in the conference.

“We have quality and depth on the women’s side, especially with our top 10 runners from last season back this year,” said Penney.

Cefaratti (Topton, PA/Brandywine Heights H.S.) enjoyed a solid spring track season after missing last fall and according to Penney is fit and ready to run. Sophomores Amanda Phillips (Waymart, PA/Western Wayne H.S.) and Kassi Tylenda (Windsor, NY/Windsor H.S.) are expected to build upon last year’s solid freshmen seasons.

Freshman Carolyn Dionisio (Avon, CT/Avon H.S.) has looked solid in preseason camp and could quickly move into a scoring role on the team.