SUNY New Paltz Cross Country Teams Welcome in Fresh Legs

NEW PALTZ, NY — The SUNY New Paltz men’s and women’s cross country teams enter their second season under the direction of Head Coach Greg Saunter in 2005. Last season the men’s team showed improvement throughout the year, while the women posted their highest finish at the conference championship in seventeen years.

The women’s cross country team will return a majority of their veterans from last season, including senior Janet Walsh (Baldwinsville, NY) who finished 27th at the State University of New York (SUNYAC) Championship in 2004. With a roster of experienced runners Coach Saunter and the team look to place in the SUNYAC top five by season end. In 2004 the women placed six out of nine in the SUNYAC and they are confident that the addition of three talented freshmen, Chanel Jones (Mastic Beach, NY), Emily Nyburg (Greenlawn, NY), and Stephanie Albinski (Commack, NY) can help them climb up the conference standings.

For 2005 the men will also showcase a majority of familiar faces, including junior Harry Sudwischer (Copiague, NY) who was the men’s top finisher at the 2004 SUNYAC Championships. Although they have lost three of their five scoring runners from last season, they are determined to improve on last years finish. The men’s team will welcome in three freshmen runners for this season and they believe that their youth will bring them good fortune in the coming years.

The men’s and women’s cross country teams will open their season on Saturday, September 10, at the Vassar Invitational.