Patriot League Announces 2007 Cross Country Preseason Poll

Aug. 28, 2007

WASHINGTON - The American University men's cross country team was chosen first in the Patriot League Preseason Poll and the women's team was selected sixth, conference officials announced Tuesday.

This marks the fifth consecutive year that the men have been tabbed as the favorite to win the conference, as voted by league coaches and sports information directors. The team garnered 13 of 16 first-place votes and a total of 97 points. Schools could not vote for themselves. The Eagles are coming off a championship season in which they won their fifth PL title in as many years and qualified for the NCAA Championship Meet for the third straight year.

"We are excited about this year's team," Head Coach Matt Centrowitz said. "We have a good blend on our squad with three seniors coming back and one of our largest and most talented freshmen classes coming in. With one or two of those freshmen stepping up and solid contributions from the upperclassmen we should put ourselves in a strong position again this year."

Senior Brendan Fennell (Pearl River, N.Y./Pearl River) headlines the returning cast as the reigning Patriot League Cross Country champion. Fennell placed 63rd at the NCAA Championships and narrowly missed earning All-America honors. Carlos Jamieson (Garnerville, N.Y./North Rockland) returns to this year's squad after a Second Team All-Patriot League finish to the 2006 season. Last season, Jamieson was just edged out for All-Region honors when he placed 34th at the Regional Meet. Rounding out the returning cast is Steve Hallinan (Drexell Hill, Pa./Cardinal O'Hara), who was the Eagles' top finisher at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Region meet, helping AU to qualify for the NCAA Championships.

The women's team is coming off a sixth-place conference finish. Kate Lilley (Portland, Ore./St. Mary's) returns for her senior season and will again look to be a leader on the team. Last season Lilley was the Eagles' top finisher at three meets and just missed an All-Patriot League selection by placing 18th at the conference championships. Cathleen Ford (Cornwall-on-Hudson, N.Y./Cornwell Central) ran in the top-three all season long for AU and was the team's lone all-league selection, earning second team honors. Junior Meghan Mason (State College, Pa./State College) was also a consistent performer for American last season finishing in AU's top-three in nearly every meet and twice breaking the 5K 20-minute barrier.

"We have three seniors and one junior returning to the team who were all strong contributors last year," said Centrowitz. "After a good showing in last year's outdoor track championships this team should have some confidence coming into the season."

Both the men's and women's cross country teams will be in action for the first time this season Friday, Aug. 31, as they travel to Emmitsburg, Md., for the Mount St. Mary's Invite.