Cross Country Annouces 2012 Schedule
Penn State Fayette recently announced the 2012 cross country schedule, including six meets throughout the state.
LEMONT FURNACE, Pa. - Penn State Fayette cross country coach will lead his men's and women's squads into six races this year, athletic director Vince Capozzi announced on Thursday, culminating with the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference Championships at Penn State Brandywine on Saturday, Oct. 20.
The Roaring Lions return several members from each of last year's record breaking squads, including sophomores Kevin Diamond, Alex Hamborsky and Steven Ciez on the men's squad. Juniors Rachael Franks and Samantha Virgillo lead the women's contingent, as sophomore's Brigid Corey and Samantha Griffith join them as returnees. Fayette set school records for best team finishes on both the men's and women's side.
Fayette will kick off its 2012 campaign at the Penn State Scranton Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 8. The Roaring Lions follow-up their opener at Penn State Greater Allegheny's first ever cross country invitational on Saturday, Sept. 15.
The Roaring Lions return to the trails in Williamsport, Pa. for the Penn College Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 29 after a two-week hiatus, before heading to Penn State Wilkes-Barre for the Johnson College/Penn State Wilkes-Barre Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 6. The regular season ends at the Penn State DuBois Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 13, which leads into the PSUAC Championships at Brandywine on Oct. 20.
Penn State Fayette runners also have a chance to qualify for the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Cross Country Championships, hosted by Paul Smith's College in Lake Placid, NY. A team may advance by winning the conference championship, and an individual can participate either by winning the conference meet or posting a qualifying time in the top 25 of the nation.
For the first time in two years, Fayette will not hold a home meet. The Roaring Lions hosted their first ever cross country invitational in 2010, and followed it the next year by hosting the 2011 PSUAC Cross Country Championships. Fayette did not host a meet in 2009, their inaugural season of competition.