Sept. 3, 2005

The men's and women's cross country teams kicked off their season today with one goal on their mind - run as a pack. Both teams agree that the key to much of their success was their ability to run together. In a meet typically won by the host team, Duquesne University, both Panther teams finished in first above Duquesne, Carnegie Mellon University, Penn State University - Altoona and St. Bonaventure University.

Six Panther women finished in the top ten with sophomore Ali Briggs (Washington, Pa./Washington) leading the way. Briggs came in second place with a time of 18:55, just 13 seconds behind first. Following in third and fourth were Nicki Angstadt (Kutztown, Pa./Fleetwood) and Nikki Bielick (Greensburg, Pa./Greensburg Salem) with times of 19:02 and 19:04, respectively. "We were always staying in a group," said Briggs. "That helps for a strong team finish." Angstadt agreed, adding that it's encouraging to have such a strong finish this early in the season.

Leading the men's team was sophomore Sam Bair III (Pittsburgh, Pa./Shaler Area). Bair finished in first with a time of 25:24. Following Bair was junior Tim Konoval (Parry Sound, Ontario/Central Connecticut State) placing third with a time of 25:47 and Eric Fleming (West Chester, Pa./Bishop Shanahan) in sixth at 25:55. The men's team attributed much of their success to training together throughout the summer and also a coaching staff they're comfortable with. "We have a lot of depth, and we're still a young team. I think we're going to turn a lot of heads this year."

In 2004, the Panthers had three runners break into the top ten of their races, and this year the team had 12 top ten finishes - six women and six men. The team's next competition will be the Iona Meet of Champions on September 24 in New York.