With a United East Conference championship, five all-conference runners and the coach of the year, 2023 belonged to the Pennsylvania College of Technology men’s cross-country team, the core of which returns this fall. Also, look for the women’s squad to make some noise this season.
The Wildcats open at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, hosting Lycoming College.
“Our season is off to a good start. Scheduling practice times around classes and labs is always a challenge for our students, but we are making it work. Overall, I am optimistic about both our women’s and men’s teams,” third-year coach Tom Leeser said.
“The women have added four new runners with solid high school experience and one returns after a semester away. This is the most depth that our women have had in recent years,” Leeser continued.
“The women will be led by top returner Elaina Brady of McConnellsburg, a sophomore, and senior Kayleigh Miller of Sayre. Both of them bring solid leadership and positive attitudes to the team. Our goal is to log some quality miles, improve as the season goes on, and hopefully claim a top-three spot at the conference meet. Being consistent in our training and staying healthy will be important,” the coach said.
On the men’s side, Leeser said, “We return most of our team that claimed the UE championship last fall. First-team all-conference selections Mitchell Campbell of Riegelsville, a junior; Matthew Woolcock of Oil City, a junior; and Alec Rees of Centerport, New York, a senior, bring running talent and excellent leadership skills. Also returning are UE third-team honorees Holden Furey of Williamsport and Jacob Parker of Weatherly, both sophomores.
“We have added five newcomers with a wide range of experience. One was a (high school) district champion, others have good high school resumes, and a few are new to competitive running.
“I am anticipating some healthy competition for our top five spots throughout the season. While other teams will surely be improved, we will look to be in top form for the UE championship in November. Mitch will strive for another top-three individual finish, with the rest of our pack aiming for the top 10.
“Both teams will face strong NCAA Division II and III competition at our regular season invitationals in preparation for the championship season.”
St. Mary’s (Md.) College, the defending women’s champ, will host the conference championships on Nov. 2, with 16 women’s and 15 men’s teams competing.
Schedule
Tuesday, Sept. 3 — host Lycoming College, 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 7 — at Dutchmen Invitational, 10:15 a.m.
OTHER FALL OPENERS
Friday, Sept. 6
Men’s tennis at Lycoming College, 4 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 7
Women’s tennis at King’s Invitational Day One, 9 a.m.
Monday, Sept. 9
Men’s golf at Albright College Fall Invitational at Olde Homestead Golf Club, 10:30 a.m.
For additional information, visit the Wildcats Athletics website.
For more about the United East, visit the conference website.