Lycoming News

Eight men and five women from Pennsylvania College of Technology are set to compete in the UE Championship meets at Cairn University in Langhorne this Saturday. The men's team includes Dillon Betts, Noah Bowers, Mitchell Campbell, Chase Ebeling, Holden Furey, Jacob Parker, Alec Rees, and Matt Woolcock. The women's squad features Elaina Brady, Natalie Greiner, Sofia Laspina, Kayleigh Miller, and Skyelar Splain.

Coach Tom Leeser expressed satisfaction with the season's progress for both teams. "Overall, it has been a positive season for both the women and the men," he stated. He highlighted the camaraderie among athletes and their improved performances.

The women's team faces challenges due to limited depth but has shown steady improvement. "Despite our low numbers, the women have improved steadily from the start of the season," Leeser noted. He mentioned that Brady and Splain aim to place in the top 20 at the conference meet.

In September's United East Preview, Penn College's women ranked sixth out of nine teams. Meanwhile, Leeser praised his men's team for their leadership and focus. They previously excelled at Cairn University by finishing first among 11 teams.

Leeser described the Cairn course as challenging due to elevation changes and tricky turns but remained optimistic about his team's performance. "We ran well previously, so we will hope for the same on Saturday," he said.

He emphasized that both teams have prepared well throughout the year. "Most of our athletes do a nice job of controlling their nerves and emotions," Leeser remarked.

The women's focus will be on improving times and standings while aiming for all-conference honors for Brady and Splain if they finish in the top 21. For the men's team, competing for a conference championship remains a primary goal despite tough competition.

"We will do all we can to get ourselves right mentally and physically this week and then go compete on Saturday," Leeser concluded.