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American Prepares for Cross Country Championships
First Patriot League Contest This Weekend at Colgate

Oct. 23, 2001

WASHINGTON — The American cross country team is ready for its biggest meet so far this season. Saturday they head to Hamilton, N.Y. to face the rest of the Patriot League in the Patriot League Cross Country Championships.

On the men's side, Army is the defending champion and Will Wyche of Army returns to defend his individual title. Bucknell won last year for the women and Becki Marshall of Bucknell is the defending indivdual champion.

Head Coach Matt Centrowitz is looking forward to the Patriot League meet. "I'm excited about competing in the Patriot League. We're looking to get off to a good start and make a good showing in the League," Centrowitz said. "With no seniors on the team we are hoping to gain some All-League honors and improve in the League each and every year."

The team has a number of individuals who hope to achieve some Patriot League honors this weekend. All-League status is awarded to the top 10 individual finishers in the meet. On the women's team, junior Samia Akbar and ECAC Player of the Week Jen Baclawski hope to crack the top 10 at the meet. For the men, ECAC Co-Player of the Week Frank Malpigli, junior Sean O'Brien, and sophomore Matt Seymour are expected to be in contention for All-League honors.

Because this is the first year in the Patriot League for the Eagles, none of the athletes have seen the course yet to know what to expect. Unlike previous races the Eagles have run this year, the weather could play a factor in the race. The forecast for Saturday originally called for 39 degrees and heavy snow. Now, the weather has changed to 41 degrees and freezing rain. However, American is determined not to let the weather or the course affect them. "Everyone has to run the same course in the same conditions. That's what makes our sport unique," Centrowitz said.

The men's 8,000 meter race begins at 11:00 a.m. Saturday with the women's 6,000 meter race following at 12:00 p.m.

Get the updated weather for the Patriot League meet here from weather.com.