Owls begin cross country season

14 years ago

Owls begin cross country season

    PRESQUE ISLE – The season is just under way for the University of Maine at Presque Isle cross country teams, whose women’s squad won the conference title last year as a runner from both the women’s and men’s teams qualified the national championships in Vancouver, Wash. 

    The 2010 women’s team will be paced by fourth-year runner Shelly Hanson of Charleston, who earned a berth in last year’s national event.  Hanson was pushed last year by teammate Kati Christoffel of Clifton Park, N.Y., who put in a solid summer training program. Ally Pizzuti of Caribou and Justine Cyr of Fort Kent are the other returning athletes who helped win the conference championship in 2009.
    Freshman Carly Langley of Belmont, Nova Scotia will be pushing the pace up front as an experienced and seasoned runner. Taylor Jo Quint of Hodgdon is a junior transfer who will step right in and contribute as will veteran Janelle Gagnon of Caribou.  Gagnon is returning to the sport after two years away. 
    The current Owl men’s cross country team has undergone a rebuilding from last year’s team of veterans. Justin Fereshetian of Turner will again lead the Owls and hopes to make a return trip to the national meet. Michael LeClair of Winslow returns after being away on a student exchange at Johnson State College last fall and will lend his experience to the younger runners.
    Hugh McLellan of Maitland, Nova Scotia and James Cirell of Bingham are third-year runners looking to make improvements over last year. Newcomers Zach Barnes of Presque Isle, Jaron Gray of Danforth,  Richard Landry of Millville, Nova Scotia, Jesse Howard of Bingham and Samuel Johnson of South Berwick will be new to the eight-kilometer collegiate cross country distance, but will gain valuable experience their first few times out.
    The season’s conference result will depend greatly on these first-year runners. The Owl squads are coached by Christopher Smith, who is assisted by Paul Stone.

 

Contributed photos

University of Maine at Presque Isle

 

Image 

    OWL MEN’S XC – Making up the Owl men’s cross country team are, in front from left, Michael LeClair, Richard Landry, Samuel Johnson and Justin Fereshetian. Back, assistant coach Paul Stone, Jaren Gray, Zach Barnes, James Cirell and head coach Chris Smith.

Image

    OWL WOMEN’S XC – Members of the UM-Presque Isle women’s cross country team are, in front from left, Taylor Jo Quint, Shelly Hanson, Ally Pizzuti and Justine Cyr. Back, assistant coach Paul Stone, Melody Sanborn, Carly Langley, Kati Christoffel and head coach Chris Smith.