Pitt Cross Country Begins Preseason Training Camp
8/19/2016 12:00:00 AM | Cross Country
PITTSBURGH – In preparation for the 2016 campaign, the University of Pittsburgh men’s and women’s cross country teams reported to Fitzgerald Field House to begin preseason training camp Friday.
“I’m excited for everyone to be returning to camp,” Pitt head coach Alonzo Webb said. “This time of year you get really fired up about the start of cross country season, because it kicks off our whole year. It’s important for the student-athletes coming in to understand what their expectations are. This is going to be a time for them to get together and bond as a team. We’re looking for them to get that bond and be there for each other every day. They have to bring their courage to every practice and every meet. Those are the things we’re looking for.”
The camp lasts 10 days, from Friday to Sunday, Aug. 28. Most days consist of training sessions, team bonding activities, meetings, team meals and weight room workouts.
Looking to build on a successful 2015 season, the women’s team returns 30 student-athletes, while losing 12 and adding eight newcomers. In November, the Panthers tied their best NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship placement in program history, finishing seventh. Rising sophomore Gillian Schriever returns as one of the top performers from 2015, when she led the Panthers at the ACC Championship and appeared on the All-ACC Academic Team.
“I’m really excited to have the ladies back on campus,” women’s coach Adam Bray said. “They trained really well over the summer break and everyone is healthy. We are definitely ready to get the season underway, and we are looking forward to our first meet here in Pittsburgh at the Duquesne Duals.”
The men return 12 with six additions and just two losses. Rising junior Ryan Hughes assumes a leadership role as an upperclassman after making one of Pitt’s top performances at the 2015 NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship, finishing 66th out of 174 runners in the 10K as a sophomore.
“We’re really excited for this year,” men’s coach Bryan Jackson said. “I think the guys are coming in knowing what to expect, since this is the start of my second year. We’ve got a group of young men who I believe are all on the same page as far as what the mission is. It’s that time of the year where we just have optimism, nothing but optimism. We’ll focus on these first 10 days as all about us and becoming the best version of ourselves we can be.”
The Panthers’ regular season begins Saturday, Sept. 3, at the Duquesne Duals held in Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park.