Landmark Ready For Cross Country Championships

MADISON, N.J. - After completing its first season of competition the newly-formed Landmark Conference will hold its first championship when the eight Landmark institutions compete at the 2007 Landmark Cross Country Championships Saturday on the campus of Goucher College in Towson, Md.

Men's and women's team titles will be earned at the championship, along with individual titles in both the men's and women's races. The women's 6K championship race will begin at 11 a.m., with the men's 8K race to follow at 12 p.m.

The women's team race figures to be a tight competition. Preseason favorite Catholic University showed it should be considered a favorite after claiming the team title at the Mid-Atlantic Cross Country Classic which was held at Goucher and featured six of the eight Landmark teams. University of Scranton was third at that meet, and has a balanced roster that should have the Royals challenging for a top spot. Susquehanna University did not compete in the conference preview meet at Goucher, but a deep roster could also have the Crusaders in the mix for the title. All eight of the teams will be gunning to make history by claiming the first-ever Landmark Championship.

The men's team championship also figures to be extremely competitive with several teams having a chance to bring home the team title and claim the inaugural title. Susquehanna entered the season as the favorite, and strong showings at a number of meets suggest they will be in contention for claiming the team title. Also in the mix will be the United States Merchant Marine Academy which placed third at the CTC Championships in its final tune up before the championships, and features one of the most experienced rosters in the field having won three previous titles in its previous conference. Juniata was third in its conference championship a year ago, and has the majority of its roster back including a pair of sophomores who have led them all year.

The women's individual title should also be hotly contested. Senior J. Fraley Coles of host Goucher will enter as the favorite having bested much of the field when she won the Mid-Atlantic Classic. Alyse Cheatle of Catholic and Laura Rupprecht placed second and third respectively in that race and each could challenge for the title. In addition Susquehanna freshman Alycia Woodruff has the second fastest 6K time in the conference and should be in contention. USMMA senior Callie Beeler has shown remarkable consistency having been selected as the Landmark Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week three times, and could close her career with an individual championship.

Susquehanna's quest for a team title will likely be paced by sophomore Paul Thistle who has the fastest 8K time in the conference on the year. Juniata sophomores Matt Bailey and Sam Williams also boast some of the best times among Landmark runners, and figure to help lead Juniata's quest for the title. Scranton also has a pair of performers in Chris Wasnetsky and Rob Olechna who have numerous high finishes to their credit including placing first and second respectively at the Mid-Atlantic Classic. USMMA junior standout Keith Wagner will also challenge for a top position as he tries to help the Mariners capture the team title.

The Landmark Conference was officially formed in December of 2005, and the eight institutions began formally competing in conference play this fall.