Men's Cross Country

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Sept. 5, 2003

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. - St. Bonaventure's cross country teams open their 2003 seasons this Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Duquesne Duals. That is the first of seven meets on a schedule that culminates with the Atlantic 10 Championships on Nov. 1.

Tom Hagen, head coach of both the men's and women's teams, has deep rosters on both sides. He has 11 men and 13 women running this fall, and his teams' depth should lead to improvements.

Junior Paul Nessle leads the men. The Corning, N.Y., native was the team's top finisher in every race in 2002 including the A-10 Championship, where he placed 52nd.

"Paul is going to be our number one runner again, and I think he could be in the top 30 at A-10's this year," said Hagen.

Sophomore Jason Schultz should be the Bonnies' number two man, but the depth chart is uncertain after him. Sophomores Brian Thierman and Chris Roff, who ran in the top five last season, should again compete for a top spot, but the freshman trio of Ryan Ross, Andrew Schula and Chris Williams will push them. Juniors Nick Moeller and Guyan Wilks are also newcomers who could contribute.

"We have a good, young group of recruits who have already proven themselves during our pre-season workouts," Hagen said, "but I think the key is going to be the returning leadership."

Hagen believes his men are capable of moving up one or two spots from their 11th place showing at the 2002 A-10 meet.

"I would like for the men to knock off Niagara this year and possibly a team in the Atlantic 10," Hagen said. "I also would like to take the guys to the NCAA regional." Junior captain Mary Town, like her counterpart Nessle, is the clear-cut number one runner on the women's team. Seniors Nancy Hanft, Leah Seamans and Sara Wall join Town to provide veteran leadership.

"I'm very excited for the women's team," Hagen said. "They have some real good senior leadership. They have beaten a couple of teams in the past year, but this year they have a great opportunity for improvement with some great incoming freshman and that leadership." Sophomore Katie Walsh was a regular contributor as a freshman and Hagen expects her to improve.

Among the new Bonnies who should contribute are sophomore Colleen Becker and freshmen Ruth Goins and Jessica Hendrick.

"I think the top five should be Mary Town, Ruth Goins, Jessica Hendrick, Nancy Hanft and Sarah Wall or Katie Walsh," Hagen said. "I think we're going to make some improvements throughout the year."