Aug. 31, 2007

Staten Island, NY - The Wagner College men's and women's cross country teams head to Monmouth University for their 2007 lid lifter against the Hawks.

Cross Country coach Joe Stasi begins in his 11th year with the Seahawks and is excited about the upcoming season. With the student athletes from both teams reporting in excellent condition for their first work outs, Stasi is optimistic the Seahawks will exceed their seventh place ranking in the annual NEC coach's poll.

"I would consider it a disappointing season if we finished seventh this year," said Stasi. "I feel that we are a better team this year. We have a lot of upperclassmen coming back and I'm hoping the experience of those who have been here will help out the incoming class."

Leading the pack on the men's side is senior Mouhamed Halwani (Staten Island, NY/Xaverian) who looks to improve on his 48th place finish at last year's NEC Championships. Joining Halwani is junior Brian Halling (Amherst, NH/Souhegan) who missed last season due to injury.

"Brian came back in fantastic shape," said Stasi. "I see more confidence in him everyday. He could definitely has the potential to be a surprise in the conference.

The women's side will be anchored down by junior Brecken Drager (Loomis, CA/Del Oro), one of the top runners in the NEC last year. With a 13th place finish at the 2006 NEC meet in her pocket, Drager looks to push forward to the front of the pack in search of an individual NEC title. Hitting the path with Drager is senior Meghan Robbins (Waymart, PA/Western Wayne) who ran in all but one race in 2006 and was the only Seahawk to participate in the NCAA Northeast Regional Championships.

"These kids have the right attitude coming into the season," notes Stasi. "They are the kind of athletes that make teams successful."

Wagner returns five letter winners on the men's team and seven on the women's side.