Lycoming News

Williamsport, Pa. — The Pennsylvania College of Technology's men's and women's cross country teams are set to start their new season under the guidance of head coach Tom Leeser. As he enters his second year, Coach Leeser is focused on improving the team's performance.

The Wildcats will open their season at Misericordia University on Friday, September 1, at 6 p.m. Last year, the men's team finished third in the United East Conference meet with notable performances from Mitchell Campbell and Matthew Woolcock. Both athletes earned all-conference first-team honors, with Campbell also named United East Rookie of the Year. The team achieved its best-ever finish by placing 25th at the NCAA Division III Mid-Atlantic Region race.

Although the women's team lacked enough members to compete as a group last year, Skyelar Splain made an impressive individual effort by finishing 16th at the conference meet. She returns this season alongside other key runners.

Coach Leeser expressed optimism about his returning athletes and newcomers. "Mitch and Matt are both excellent leaders and could be a solid 1-2 at the front of our pack," he said. He added that Rees and Bowers bring experience to the team while freshmen like Chase Ebeling and Holden Furey have had successful high school careers.

On improvements needed for this season, Leeser noted: "We will need improvement from our returners and some contributions from the new guys." He emphasized building strength among new runners transitioning from shorter races to longer distances.

For the women’s team, Leeser highlighted Splain's potential to become one of the top runners in her conference: "Skyelar enters her second year of competitive running." He also mentioned that having five runners this season would improve competitiveness.

Leeser outlined keys to success as quality training, patience, mental strength, health maintenance, and competitiveness: "Each of our invitational meets should contain plenty of quality competition."

This year's conference meets will feature more teams due to a merger between United East and Colonial States Athletic conferences. The events will occur on October 28 at Cairn University's course in Langhorne.

Last year's men's title went to SUNY Morrisville with Lancaster Bible junior Mitchell Gray securing Runner of the Year honors. Valley Forge won CSAC Championship with Bryn Athyn sophomore Rafe Williams as Runner of the Year.

St. Mary's retained its United East women's title last year thanks to Madelaine Blaisdell's first-place finish while Valley Forge claimed CSAC honors led by Hannah Kopec as Runner of Year.

"The new larger conference is exciting," Leeser remarked about upcoming challenges posed by increased competition levels expected throughout championships which could aid regional meet performances eventually.Print Friendly Version