Oct. 23, 2008

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — University of Pittsburgh freshman Greg Kareis of the cross country team was tabbed men’s Big East Athlete of the Week after his performance at the Blue Hen Classic, hosted by the University of Delaware. “

Greg has been consistent all season long,” said assistant track and field coach Clinton Bell. “He works hard every week.”

Kareis (Red Lion, Pa./Red Lion Area) finished at 25:45.44 in the 8k race, edging out Delaware’s Chris Bourke by just over a second for first place honors.

In five races this season, Karies has led the Panther men four times and collected four top-10 finishes along with two individual race titles. In the Blue Hen Classic, he was from his personal best, which he set at the Paul Short Invite in early October.

“I am looking forward to the Big East Championships,” added Bell. “It will be a tough battle as the Big East is one of the best conferences in the nation, but I know if our team runs to their ability, we will not be disappointed.”

The Panther men and women take a short break until Friday, Oct. 31, when they travel to Van Cortlandt Park, N.Y., to compete in the Big East Championships.