Lycoming News

The Penn College cross-country teams are preparing for their upcoming competition at the United East Conference championship. The event will take place on Saturday at Oak Ridge Park in Hughesville, Maryland, hosted by St. Mary's College of Maryland. The women's 6K race, featuring 16 teams, is scheduled to start at 11 a.m., followed by the men's 8K race with 15 teams at noon.

Coach Tom Leeser acknowledged that not attending the preview meet earlier this season could be a disadvantage for his teams. "We were not able to attend the preview meet earlier this season so we will be at a slight disadvantage compared with other teams who raced there previously. We will rely on our course walk-through on Friday prior to the race to aid our preparation," he said.

Leeser noted improvements in the women's team, which has grown significantly since he took over two seasons ago when there weren't enough members to field a team. Last year, they finished sixth out of 13 teams, with Elaina Brady placing 14th individually. This season, Brady has led her team in all five races and achieved a personal-best time of 27:03 over a 6K course.

Other women participating include Isabella Kerlin, Lillian DePew, Karleigh Hunter, Kayleigh Miller, Adelyn McDermott, and Isabella Telford. Only the top five finishers from each team contribute to the overall point totals.

The men's team aims to defend its title after winning last year's championship following a third-place finish in 2022. Key performers from last year included Mitchell Campbell and Matthew Woolcock who earned first-team accolades alongside Alec Rees.

This season has seen Woolcock lead his squad three times with a personal-best time of 27:43 over an 8K course while Campbell led twice with a best time of 28:10. Both athletes are juniors.

Additional male runners competing include Ethan Knapp, Holden Furey, Jacob Parker, Chase Ebeling, Aaron Gurrisky, Noah Bowers, John Yovenishon, Matt Wheeland and Owen Troup. Furey and Parker received third-team honors last year.

Leeser expressed confidence in his team's depth as they prepare for strong challenges from Lancaster Bible and St. Mary's College: "The men have put in some quality training this fall and are trying to be fresh and healthy as we approach championships."

Following Saturday's event focus will shift towards NCAA Division III Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship taking place at Lock Haven University on November 16th.