According to the East Coast Conference Cross Country Preseason Poll, the STAC Women's team has been chosen to finish 3rd for the 2014 season, while the men have been ranked 4th.  The squad will open their season on Saturday at the LIU Post Invitational.  

The Lady Spartan are looking to improve on their 3rd place finish in the 2013 campaign.  Although they lost their lead runner Keeley Bateman to graduation, STAC returns a deep roster loaded with talent.  Junior Meagan Jaskot has been a key component to the Lady Spartans success in her first two seasons and should continue to grow as a runner.  Redshirt sophomore Meaghan Vetarola should provide a huge spark after using the 2013 season to return to racing form.  The junior class has performed well overall and their experience should help the team to progress.  Graduate student Ally Borriello is coming off a great track season and should have her best cross country season to date.  "I am really looking forward to the upcoming season, " commented 7th year head coach Nicole Ballou.  "Our women's team is very deep.  Our top seven can continue to change throughout the season.  I know I can count on my upperclassman, but I am also excited about the work the sophomore class has put in.  We have a great group of freshmen who have had a very impressive preseason."

The Spartans have a new look this season.  With a roster that has only two seniors and no juniors, their youth may show early on.  Without Mike Galonski (graduated), last year's lead runner, and 4 other seniors that provided excellent leadership, STAC is creating a new identity.  Senior Joe Chegwidden should lead the charge.  He finished second in every race last season.  Sophomore Ryan Gasser gained a lot of experience as a consistent scorer last season.  He will be depended on early, but has shown his abiity to lead by example.  Classmates Jamer Linares and Chris Panepinto have shown potential and will be couted on to increase their roles.  "This team is young but I think they are going to be very successful," stated Ballou.  "They have a lot of heart and they work well together.  I think that they will run more as a pack than we have in the past which will help us as a team.  We have very talented freshmen this year who will have a huge impact on our success.  I think our progress will be evident as the season progresses."

The STAC cross country program will open their season on Saturday at the LIU Post Invite in Brookville, NY.  The women's race is slated for 10:30AM followed by the men at 11:15 AM.

2014 ECC Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll

2014 ECC Men's Cross Country Preseason Poll           

( ) –first place votes

ECC Release