The men’s and women’s cross country teams will look to build on the success of last season when they take to the course at the Lock Haven Dolan Duals on September 3rd.

The women finished 14th last season at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, thanks in part to recently-graduated Bridget Franek. Franek finished 26th in the competition, earning her an All-America performance. She became only the ninth Penn State woman to earn an All-America citation in the NCAA era.

With Franek and 111th-place finisher Cheryl Spring graduating, the duty will fall to the other runners from last year’s NCAA championship team. This includes junior Caitlin Lane (86th place), sophomore Nicole Lord (94th), junior Kara Millhouse (142nd), sophomore  Brooklyne Ridder (200th), and sophomore Natalie Bower (206th).

The men’s team did not experience the same success as the women, with only junior Vince McNally competing at championships. He finished 134th on the 10,000 meter course. This year, look out for junior Chris Cipro and senior Lucas Zarzeczny, who finished 84th and 85th, respectably, at the NCAA Regional meet last year.

The Penn State cross country season consists of eight events which run from the Lock Haven Dolan Duals on September 3rd through the NCAA Championships on November 22nd. Penn State hosts two–the Harry Groves Spiked Shoe Invitational on September 11th and the Penn State National on October 16th. Penn State hosts both of their events at the Blue and White Golf Course.

In between going to football and volleyball games this fall, head out to the golf course and check out the cross country teams as they strive to build on their success from last season.

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