Cross Country Competes in First Race of Season

New Wilmington, PA-Franciscan University of Steubenville's men's and women's cross country teams stepped up to the starting line for the first time this season at the Westminster Invitational on Saturday.

The men's team placed fifth of 11 teams, a considerable improvement from last season's sixth of nine place finish. This years FUS women's team placed third of 13 teams, only following Grove City College and Gannon University respectively.

In addition to improved talent from returning athletes, the incoming freshmen have made a huge impact on the team's recent success. From the men's team, freshman William Jones completed his first 8k race finishing first of 103 runners with a time of 26:49. Jones is the first runner in Franciscan University of Steubenville history to take first place in a cross country event. Jones is a native of Oneida, WI and was named to Wisconsin's 2007 First Team All-State for cross country. 

Following Jones lead, freshman Kevin Leroy took second for the team finishing 14th overall in a time of 28:58. Junior Zach Yonk put forth an impressive effort finishing third for the team in 31:56, closely followed by junior Kevin Codd who ran 32:02 (a 49 second improvement over last season's time).

Many of the Franciscan's women ran their first 6k race of their careers (the distance having changed from a 5k at Westminster in 2007). The race proved to be both physically and emotionally draining after the loss of one of their teammates, Kelly Roggensack, in a tragic car accident 11 days before.

Each of the runners used the memory of their teammate, whose shoes were placed on the starting line, as strengthened motivation throughout the race. Top finishers for the women's team include sophomore Monica Rust, finishing sixth of 139 runners in a time of 24:42, junior Erin Bliss placing 11th in 24:55 and freshman Anna Hogan following close behind finishing 12th with a time of 25:00. Putting forth good efforts were sophomore Anna Scarnecchia who placed 21st overall with a time of 25:57 and junior Mary Johnson who finished strong in 26:39.

"I have never been more proud of any team the way these athletes ran today," commented head coach Dr. Dan Kuebler after the race. "They could really sense Kelly pushing them and cheering them on every step of the way."

Franciscan's cross country teams would like to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers expressed from their competing teams. With their chins up and feet running, they look forward to a successful season in dedication to the memory of Kelly Roggensack. Their next race will be held on September 6th at the California University of PA with the first race starting at 10:30 a.m.