Cross Country Races Into Paternostro Era

New coach Steven Paternostro and the Alfred State cross country team will look to have a fast start to the 2017 season. A nice combination of returners and newcomers have the Pioneers looking towards a top finish in the ACAA Championships.

Seniors Jacob Hanss (East Rochester) and Eric Hulbert (Mexico) will anchor the men's team. Hanss raced to USCAA All-American honors last year with a 13th place finish in 26:41. His best 8k time last year was 26.29.9. Hulbert was 29th at the USCAA Championships and had a season best time of 27:36.2 in a 8k competition.

Coach Paternostro expects newcomer Shawn Rutledge (Watkins Glen) to make an impact. Fellow freshmen Ryan Lohr (West Seneca), Wesley McKinley (Eastridge), David Privatera (LeRoy), and Alexander Vossler will add depth to the team.

Seniors Lindsey Thiel (Liverpool) and sophomore Emily Brigman (Lancaster), the top two runners from last season, return to lead the Lady Pioneers. Thiel had a season best 23:34.2 last year in the 6k while Brigman had a season best run of 26:24.0 last year at the USCAA Championships. Cassandra Ryan (Gloversville) and Betsy Butlak (Angola/Lake Shore) also are back from last year's team.

Olivia Leonti (Port Byron) leads the way for the newcomers on the women's side. Kate Frascella also is expected to make an impact.

The Pioneers open up the season on Friday (9/1) when they head to Houghton for a twilight 5k. The team will look to build towards the ACAA Championships that will be held at SUNY Delhi on the first weekend in November.