Cross Country to Kick Off Season with Duquesne Duals
8/30/2005 12:00:00 AM | Cross Country
Aug. 30, 2005
PITTSBURGH - Pitt's cross country teams begin their 2005 season this weekend after having two women in the top 25 of their region and a fifth-place finish by Maureen McCandless (Bensalem, Pa./Nazareth Academy) at the NCAA Championships in 2004. According to assistant coach James Trautmann, leadership will play a significant role in having a successful season.
The Women
The Panthers' top veteran is senior Lauren Shaffer (Imperial, Pa./West Allegheny) who finished 24th at the NCAA regional championships last year. Shaffer, however, is currently battling an injury and will not race in the first few meets of the season. Looking to step up to the top position is senior Nicki Angstadt (Kutztown, Pa./Fleetwood). Angstadt finished 47th at last year's Big East Championships and is currently the team's top runner in preseason. Other contenders include senior Abigail Zaylor (Chagrin Falls, Ohio/Notre Dame High), sophomore Nicole Bielick (Greensburg, Pa./Greensburg Salem) and sophomore Ali Briggs (Washington, Pa./Washington).
The Men
The Pitt men's cross country team is in an excellent position for the 2005 season. With six of its top seven runners returning, the team is looking to improve their Big East and NCAA standings. Leading the way is junior Tim Konoval (Parry Sound, Ontario/Central Connecticut State). Konoval, last year's MVP, placed 34th at regionals and 30th at the Big East Championships. Sophomore Sam Bair (Pittsburgh, Pa./Shaler Area) and junior Eric Fleming (West Chester, Pa./Bishop Shanahan) are also expected to improve the team's standings.