2006 PAC Men's Cross Country Preview

Grove City took home yet another team title in 2005, giving the Wolverine harriers their 15th consecutive conference crown.. 2005 individual champion Matt Rudzki of Washington & Jefferson is studying abroad this semester, leaving the 2006 individual title up for grabs. Waynesburg hosts the 2006 PAC Championship meet October 28 and the NCAA Mid-East Regional Championship November 11. Saint Vincent will join the PAC and add to the competitiveness of the conference.

BETHANY COLLEGE
Bethany College Cross Country enters the Mark Swiger era in 2006. Swiger, a 1982 graduate of Bethany, takes the helm and inherits a young team in his first season. Losing All-PAC performer Ken Hopper after graduation sophomore Matt Schlemmer looks to be the top returner for Swiger in 2006. Schlemmer had a fairly successful freshman year, and looks to build on a productive track season last spring. The Bison open the season Saturday September 2, at the Fisher Invitational at Westminster College.

 
GROVE CITY COLLEGE
The Grove City College men’s cross country team is well-stocked entering the 2006 season as the Wolverines look to challenge for their 16th consecutive Presidents’ Athletic Conference title. Grove City returns five runners who have achieved All-PAC honors during their respective collegiate careers. Two seniors are projected to lead the Wolverines this fall. Seniors Andrew Kloes and Andrew Leuenberger return after missing part or all of the 2005 season due to injury. With the 2006 individual championship up for grabs Kloes, the 2004 champion, looks to regain his title. The Wolverines being the 2006 season at Case Western Saturday, September 2.

THOMAS MORE
The Saints return four runners from last season, including Ben Bach, who was the team's best and most consistent runner. Thomas More added Josh Horn, a freshman from one of Kentucky's best programs in Louisville, Trinity. They will begin the season racing at the Wittenberg Invitational, Saturday, September 9.

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON
Washington & Jefferson finished second in 2005 and had the individual champion in sophomore Matt Rudzki. Rudzki will not return to defend his title in 2006 as he is studying abroad. The Presidents will rely on sophomores Bobby Regan and Matt Toldero to lead the team. Regan finished ninth at the PAC Championship last year while Toldero finished 19th both earning All-PAC second team selections. The Presidents will open their 2006 season September 2, at the Case Western Invitational.

WAYNESBURG
The Yellow Jackets finished third in 2005 and look to make a strong showing in 2006. This season the Yellow Jackets will host two important meets in 2006, the PAC Championship Meet October 28 and the Mid-East Regional November 11. Waynesburg will be led by senior Heath Piper who was the Yellow Jackets top finisher at the PAC championship a year ago. Junior Tim Monaghan also finished well at the conference championship last year and looks to build on his performance this season. Waynesburg will open the 2006 season at Salisbury, Saturday September 2.

WESTMINSTER
Westminster will have five men on the 2006 roster, two of which finished in the top 20 of last years PAC championship meet. Leading the way for the Titans this season will be sophomore All-PAC second team runner Aaron Titus. Junior Willie DeLair, will also look to improve from a productive 2005, as he finished in the top 20 of last years championship. The Titans will open the 2006 season by hosting the Fisher Invitational Saturday, September 2.

SAINT VINCENT
Saint Vincent will begin its first year competing in the PAC. The Bearcats, under coach Andy Herr, ran well in 2005, placing 20th at the NAIA Cross Country Championship last year. The Bearcats will count on that experience, and the senior leadership of Aaron Conway, Pat Hauser, Nick Krause, Thaddeus Pajak, and Nate Sylvester in 2006. The Bearcats start the season at the Duquesne Duals at Schenley Park in Pittsburgh, Saturday, September 2.