Plattsburgh State Women's Cross Country

2007 NCAA Division III Runners-Up and Regional Co-Champions

June 25, 2008

Senior Trio Tabbed for ESPN The Magazine Accolades

NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Plattsburgh State led the nation, regardless of division, with three selections on the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America women's track & field and cross country teams, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). That announcement was made on Wednesday by Vice Chair Bernadette Cafarelli, who is the sports information director at the University of Notre Dame. Seniors Allison Busby, Toni Wiszowaty each made the College Division Second Team while Alyssa Recny placed on the Third Team. COMPLETE CoSIDA RELEASE

With the trio's selection, it marked the first time in school history that the Cardinals produced three CoSIDA Academic All-Americans in a single academic year. Before this year, men's hockey player Niklaus Sundberg in 2002 was the last Cardinal to earn this award when he was named second-team Men's At-Large. Plattsburgh, the only school in the SUNY system to have a recipient on the women's track & field and cross country teams, now moves into fourth place all-time among State University of New York Athletic Conference institutions with seven CoSIDA Academic All-America winners.

Busby (New Paltz/Vestal Seton Catholic High School) was a second-team academic all-district choice as a junior before jumping to the first team this season and receiving national consideration. She earned All-America honors with an 8th-place finish last fall after helping the Cardinals to the national runner-up trophy at the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships. She carries a 3.94 overall GPA as a nutrition major, winning the 2008 Richard D. Semmler Award to honor the highest GPA for a female senior student-athlete at Plattsburgh.

Wiszowaty, of Shirley (William Floyd HS), was ranked No. 1 in the nation in the 10K and No. 3 in the 5K, but couldn't compete in the NCAA Outdoor Track Championships due to injury. She won the 10K race at the famous Penn Relays in 33 minutes and 57 seconds that set an Olympic Trials "B" standard, SUNYAC and school records and ranks in the Top 5 all-time for Division III. A 2008 NCAA Woman of the Year nominee, the six-time All-American captained the cross country team to its best NCAA showing in school history, placed second at the regional meet and helped the Cardinals to their first-ever Atlantic Regional title. The elementary education (English) major has a 3.95 GPA, and was an Oak Street Elementary School Mentor in Plattsburgh this year.

An AuSable Valley Central HS product from Keeseville, Recny is a two-time All-American this academic year after taking 25th place at the Division III cross country meet and winding up fifth in the NCAA 10,000-meter run for outdoor track. Like Busby, a member of the Scholar All-America Team from the U.S. Track&Field Cross Country Coaches Association, Recny has compiled a 3.93 GPA as an English language arts major. She has volunteered over 100 hours of community service teaching art to Keeseville Elementary students.

All three women have helped raise money for the Special Olympics of Clinton and Essex counties and American Cancer Society's Race Against Cancer meet.

To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director. Since the program's inception in 1952, CoSIDA has bestowed Academic All-America honors on more than 14,000 student-athletes in Divisions I, II, III and NAIA covering all NCAA championship sports.

ESPN The Magazine--winner of the 2006 and 2003 National Magazine Award for General Excellence--is a provocative and innovative sports publication. Full of insight, analysis, impact and wit, the oversized bi-weekly with a circulation of 1.9 million looks ahead to give fans a unique perspective on the world of sports.

For more information about the Academic All-America Teams program, please visit www.cosida.com or e-mail rlipe@bentley.edu .

Feb. 27, 2008

Cardinals, Busby & Recny Honored by USCCCA

NEW ORLEANS - The United States Cross Country Coaches' Association this week named Plattsburgh State as a team entry for scholar all-America honors and seniors Allison Busby and Alyssa Recny were tabbed as individuals to the USCCCA All-Academic Team. The Cardinals sported a 3.35 team grade-point average last fall, which ranks second among State University of New York Athletic Conference institutions. This marks the second time in the last three years that Plattsburgh has garnered this team award under head coach John Lynch.

Over 200 NCAA Division III female student-athletes received the academic honor from the USCCCA, and over 100 programs were represented. The award is given to those student-athletes who have succeeded both academically and athletically. To be eligible, an individual must carry a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA and finish in the Top 25 percent of the field at their regional meet.

Busby, of New Paltz, N.Y. (Vestal Seton Catholic High School), is a four-time Academic All-SUNYAC performer who is a nutrition major. She earned her second All-America citation in cross country in November by finishing eighth in the NCAA meet. She also made the first teams for both all-conference (3rd place) and all-region (3rd).

Recny (Keeseville, N.Y./AuSable Valley Central HS) is a 2007 SUNYAC Commissioner's List honoree for carrying a 3.3 GPA for three consecutive semesters. She had a career year on the cross country course last season earning NCAA All-America accolades for the first time and placed on the all-region first team with a fifth-place showing.

As a team, Plattsburgh was the national runner-up for its highest finish ever in the NCAA Division III Championships, won the Atlantic Regional title and appeared in the Top 10 coaches' poll for most of the fall season.

Nov. 17, 2007

Cardinals' Historic Season Ends with 2nd-Place NCAA Trophy

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The No. 5-ranked Plattsburgh State women's cross country team placed three runners in the Top 20 team scores as the Cardinals finished second to national champion Amherst College in the NCAA Division III Championships on Saturday. This marks the program's best finish ever in the NCAA meet since the 1981 squad was eighth. The Cardinals had 159 points to the top-rated Lord Jeffs' 120, who had just two Top 20 finishers. COMPLETE MEET RESULTS

Allison Busby led the way for the Cardinals with a time of 21 minutes and 32 seconds on the 6,000-meter course to end up eighth overall, repeating her All-America performance of two years ago. Toni Wiszowaty also earned All-America accolades for the second straight season, clocking in at 21:37 for 10th place overall. All-American Alyssa Recny also gave a strong performance (25th, 21:59). Brittney Bezjian (52nd, 22:48) and Jennifer Schaffhouser (77th, 23:04) also figured into the team scoring with overall finishes of 80 and 112, respectively. The Cardinals also received contributions from Nicole Howard (258th, 24:16) and Jennifer Taft (269th, 24:46) who didn't figure into the team scoring.

Plattsburgh was the top team out of the State University of New York Athletic Conference, defeating rival and conference champion Geneseo by 90 points (5th in the team standings).

Nov. 14, 2007

Lynch Tabbed Atlantic Region Coach of the Year

NEW ORLEANS - Plattsburgh State's John Lynch has been named the NCAA Division III Atlantic Region Women's Coach of the Year by the U.S. Cross Country Coaches Association. Lynch will be honored Friday at an awards dinner on the eve of the national championship meet in Northfield, Minn. The NCAA meet is being hosted by St. Olaf College, with the women's 6,000-meter race starting at noon EST.

The Cardinals, who won their first regional title last weekend, will be one of the favorites to earn a national crown on Saturday. The nation's sixth-ranked team features senior All-Americans Toni Wiszowaty (2006) and Allison Busby (2005) as well as first-team all-region performers Alyssa Recny, Brittney Bezjian and Jennifer Schaffhouser.

"This award means a lot to me. It has been my goal to bring Plattsburgh to the forefront in Division III distance running. Our results show that we are on our way," Lynch, who's in his third season at the helm, said. "What makes this special is that the award was voted on by my peers, so it is nice to know that other people recognize us as a top program."

Nov. 10, 2007

Cardinals Capture First-Ever Regional Championship

BRONX, N.Y. - The Plattsburgh State women's cross country team claimed its first NCAA Atlantic Regional title on Saturday when the Cardinals tied conference rival Geneseo with 41 points, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA meet next weekend. The Cardinals are sixth and the Knights fourth nationally in the NCAA Division III coaches' poll. The 6000-meter race was hosted by New York University at Van Cortlandt Park. COMPLETE MEET RESULTS

All five Cardinals who scored to the team total were named to the all-region first team: Toni Wiszowaty (2nd, 21:22.5), Allison Busby (3rd, 21:33.7), Alyssa Recny (5th, 21:51.5), Brittney Bezjian (15th, 22:35.1)
and Jennifer Schaffhouser (16th, 22:35.5).

"I think we shocked a lot of people, because some people thought we were dead and buried three weeks ago. But our women worked hard to show the country we weren't and now we are right there in the hunt for the NCAA title again," Plattsburgh coach John Lynch said. "Today, was the first race in six weeks for Toni, Alyssa and Brittney--that is a long time (to be off). This was more of a rust buster for those three than anything else. It was a great meet and the ladies should be proud of themselves; they have represented their program and school wonderfully all year."

Oct. 20, 2007

Depleted Cardinals End Up Third at SUNYACs

POTSDAM, N.Y. - Sixth-ranked Plattsburgh State notched 92 points to finish in third place at the 2007 State University of New York Athletic Conference Women's Cross Country Championships on Saturday. The 10-team, 6-kilometer meet was hosted by Potsdam. The Cardinals were without three of their top four runners--seniors Toni Wiszowaty (#1) and Alyssa Recny (#3) and junior Brittney Bezjian (#4)--due to injuries, but they all should return to action for the NCAA Atlantic Regional in November.

The Cardinals were led by senior Allison Busby, who was third overall in 22 minutes and 43 seconds to achieve first-team all-SUNYAC honors. Sophomore Jennifer Schaffhouser was named to the second team after placing 11th in 23:41. In addition, senior Nicole Howard was 22nd in 24:49, senior Jen Taft was 27th in 25:15 and junior Jen Modzel was 29th in 25:33. Freshman Crystal Bragg (48th, 27:37) and senior Theresa Watts (49th, 27:45) also placed, but neither figured into the team scoring.

"Our missing trio are being smart to seek recovery and looking toward the bigger goals of the season, regionals and nationals," Plattsburgh coach John Lynch said. "The group we fielded today really nailed the gameplan.

"Individually, Jennny Schaffhouser continues her breakthrough season. She has closed down a whole minute in a matter of four weeks. Allison Busby is regaining her (2005 All-America) form. Our team athlete of the meet award went to our fifth, Jen Modzel, who ran the toughest race I have her seen her run. She helped us to ensure that we wouldn't slip to fourth in the team standings."

Geneseo swept the team and individual championships as the Blue Knights won their ninth-consecutive conference crown with 20 points and Elizabeth Montgomery was first overall in 21:54.0.

2007 SUNYAC CHAMPIONSHIPS TEAM RESULTS
1. Geneseo, 20
2. Cortland, 75
3. Plattsburgh State, 92
4. Brockport, 111
5. Fredonia, 154
6. Oneonta, 161
7. New Paltz, 184
8. Oswego, 196
9. Buffalo State, 246
10. Potsdam, 294

Oct. 13, 2007

Harriers "Race Against Cancer"

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - The Plattsburgh State men's and women's cross country teams joined forces with the American Cancer Society on Saturday morning for the 5-kilometer Race Against Cancer Run at the Rugar Woods course behind the Cardinals Fieldhouse Complex. All proceeds go to the ACS for cancer research. Robert Asher won the event with a time of 16 minutes and 21 seconds. The first female winner was Toni Wiszowaty in 19:16. For complete meet results, click on the following link: http://faculty.plattsburgh.edu/john.lynch/RACresults.htm

"The day went well for a first-year event. The team and school really stepped up to raise money--$1,450 for Relay For Life--for a great cause. This was important to me because my family has been stricken with cancer, and I know so many other families out there have been affected by cancer. The disease is such a big killer and it was important for this team to do something," said Cardinals head coach John Lynch. "Hopefully in future years, we can make this event bigger with participation numbers and more proceeds for Relay, and make this race a collegiate invitational as well.

"We compete next weekend at Potsdam for the State University of New York Athletic Conference Championships. The women will be racing nationally ranked No. 4 Geneseo for the title and the men will be in a battle to improve on last year's 5th-place finish."

Oct. 10, 2007

Wiszowaty Nets SUNYAC Honor

FREDONIA, N.Y. - The Plattsburgh State cross country teams swept women's and men's runners of the week honors from the State University of New York Athletic Conference, it was announced this week.

Toni Wiszowaty, a senior from Shirley (William Floyd High School), was the first collegiate runner across the finish line at the Saint Lawrence University/Ronald C. Hoffman Invitational on Oct. 6, with a time of 22 minutes and 58 seconds on the 6-kilometer course. The Cardinals earned their second team win of 2007, defeating a field of six schools.

She has been named the SUNYAC Women's Runner of the Week three times this season.

On the men's side, Mike Heymann (Tully HS) received the conference's weekly honor for the first time after finishing second overall at the Hoffman Invitational. His 8-kilometer time was 26:20, which was just 11 seconds shy off the winning pace. Heymann has been the team's top finisher in the last four meets. Plattsburgh was third out of seven teams.

Oct. 6, 2007

Sixth-Ranked Cardinals Cruise at SLU

CANTON, N.Y. - The No. 6-ranked Plattsburgh State women's cross country team took the top three scoring places to capture the Saint Lawrence University/Ronald C. Hoffman Invitational on Saturday. The Cardinals earned 27 points to easily beat the host and second-place Saints (67) in the six-team 6-kilometer event. COMPLETE MEET RESULTS

Toni Wiszowaty was the first collegiate runner across the finish line with a time of 22 minutes and 58 seconds. She was followed by Cardinal teammates Alyssa Recny (2, 23:14), Brittney Bezjian (3, 23:26), Nicole Howard (10, 24:29) and Jen Taft (11, 24:34). Plattsburgh also received contributions from Jennifer Schaffhouser (24:34) and Crystal Bragg (27:39).

Unattached Amy Farrell won the individual title in 22:06.

Sep. 28, 2007

Nationally Ranked Cardinals Impress at D-I Meet

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Plattsburgh State women's cross country team, ranked No. 7 in NCAA Division III, more than held its own on Friday afternoon at the Division I-laden Brooks-Paul Short Run hosted by Lehigh University. The Cardinals recorded 483 points for 13th place out of 47-scoring teams--easily the top small-college program at the meet. COMPLETE RESULTS

Senior All-Americans Toni Wiszowaty (28th, 21 minutes and 27 seconds) and Allison Busby (74th, 22:13) paced the Cardinals, followed by Alyssa Recny (84th, 22:19-personal record), Brittney Bezjian (115th, 22:43-PR), Jennifer Schaffhouser (182nd, 23:28-PR) and Jen Taft (256th, 24:32-PR). They competed in the 6-kilometer "Brown" Division.

"I was surprised at how well we placed in the standings. It is a big confidence boost to beat teams like Navy, Bucknell, Colgate. We also defeated 10th-ranked Dickinson--the closest D-III team behind us--by 200 points and 11 places," said Plattsburgh coach John Lynch.

"I am looking for us to have three or four girls under 22 minutes by November and our fifth under 23. If that can happen, we have a legitimate shot at beating (D-III program) in the country."

Sep. 26, 2007

Cardinals Jump Thirteen Spots to No. 7

NEW ORLEANS - The Plattsburgh State women's cross country team cracked the Top 10 national rankings for the first time under Coach John Lynch on Thursday, jumping 13 spots to No. 7 in the NCAA Division III coaches poll. The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association made that announcement. This is believed to be the highest ranking in school history since the 1981 squad ended up eighth at the NCAA Championships. COMPLETE POLL

"It is nice to be recognized for the flawless race that we had at the Purple Valley Classic, and it means a lot for us to have our name mentioned in the same sentence as perennial powerhouses Amherst and Williams," Lynch said. "But this is just the start for us as each girl has a tremendous amount of room for improvement. I am excited to see how the team matures as the season progresses. Hopefully this news just adds to our momentum and motivation as we get ready to compete on Friday against top D-I schools at Lehigh and the most important training cycle of the season."

The Cardinals, who were 20th in the preseason poll, moved up after defeating then-No. 4 Williams and then-No. 24/2006 NCAA champion Middlebury and scholarship programs Dartmouth and Dowling at the Purple Valley Classic on Saturday. Top-ranked Amherst beat Plattsburgh by only two points in the eight-team meet.

Plattsburgh will return to action this weekend when it travels to Bethlehem, Pa., for the Division I-laden Paul Short Invitational hosted by Lehigh University.

Sep. 26, 2007

Wiszowaty Earns Second SUNYAC Weekly Award

FREDONIA, N.Y. - Plattsburgh State's Toni Wiszowaty has been selected the female runner of the week by the State University of New York Athletic Conference. It marks the second time this season that the senior from Shirley (William Floyd High School) has garnered the conference award.

Wiszowaty claimed the individual title at the Williams College Purple Valley 6K Classic Saturday, with a winning time of 21 minutes, 52 seconds.

The NCAA Division III nationally-ranked Cardinals finished just two points shy of top-rated Amherst in the team standings, but defeated ranked opponents No. 24 and defending national champion Middlebury and fourth-ranked Williams.

Sep. 22, 2007

Cardinals Shine at Williams College Purple Valley Classic

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.- The nationally ranked Plattsburgh State women's cross country team placed four Top-10 individuals to earn 50 points for second place at the Williams College Purple Valley 6K Classic on Saturday. The 20th-ranked Cardinals were just two points shy of top-rated Amherst in the meet's team standings, and defeated the No. 4 Ephs, defending NCAA Division III champion and No. 24 Middlebury, Division I-scholarship Dartmouth and Division II-scholarship Dowling.

Plattsburgh All-American Toni Wiszowaty won the individual crown with a clocking of 21 minutes and 52 seconds on the 6-kilometer course at Mount Greylock High School. The team also received top-10 performances from Alyssa Recny (6th, 22:32 for personal record), Allison Busby (8th, 22:53) and Brittney Bezjian (10th, 22:56 PR). Jennifer Schaffhouser rounded out the scoring for the Cardinals with a 25th-place showing in 23:53 (PR).

"I was impressed today. We were able to race with perennial powerhouses on a tough course," Plattsburgh coach John Lynch said. "We saw some individual personal bests occur on one of the harder courses we will ever race on. We were only two points behind the top team in the nation at this time of year with so much room for improvement in each of these girls.

"They truly are the model of hard work and dedication. Now, we need to focus on working hard in training for the next six weeks and try to stay healthy. If all of that comes together we will be ready for success in November."

Team Scores
1) Amherst - 48
2) Plattsburgh State - 50
3) Williams - 67
4) Middlebury - 94
5) Dartmouth - 169
6) Dowling - 305
7) Springfield - 306
8) Susquehanna - 339

Top Individuals
1) Toni Wiszowaty � 21:52 - Plattsburgh State
2) Tropiano � 22:04 - Amherst
3) Krieg � 22:14 - Middlebury
4) Campbell � 22:22 - Alumni
5) Wilson � 22:29 - Amherst
6) Alyssa Recny � 22:32 - Plattsburgh State
7) Asher � 22:35 - Williams
8) Allison Busby � 22:53 - Plattsburgh State
9) Galleher � 22:54 - Amherst
10) Brittney Bezjian � 22:56 - Plattsburgh State
11) Dunklee � 23:00 - Dartmouth
12) Philbrook � 23:03 - Williams
13) Yoe � 23:09 - Williams
14) Meier � 23:27 - Middlebury
15) McDermott-Murphy � 23:31 - Amherst
16) Robie � 23:36 - Williams
17) Partez � 23:39 - Amherst
18) Spar � 23:40 - Middlebury
19) Teitsworth � 23:41 - Williams
20) Meade � 23:44 - Williams
21) Anderson � 23:46 - Amherst
22) Clarke � 23:50 - Williams
23) Moser � 23:52 - Dartmouth
24) Moravec � 23:53 - Amherst
25) Jennifer Schaffhouser � 23:53 - Plattsburgh State

Sep. 15, 2007

Nationally Ranked Plattsburgh is 8th at NYU Invitational

BRONX, N.Y. - The No. 20-ranked Plattsburgh State women's cross country squad finished in eighth place out of 22 teams at the 6-kilometer New York University Invitational held Saturday at Van Cortlandt Park. The Cardinals, who have been idle since Sep. 1, tallied 215 points. COMPLETE MEET RESULTS

Brittney Bezjian, Toni Wiszowaty, Allison Busby and Alyssa Recny all finished in 23 minutes and 58 seconds to occupy spots 41 through 44, followed by Jenny Schaffhouser (24:00) in 45th. In addition, Nicole Howard (24:30) was 53rd and Jen Taft (25:17) in 68th. Bezjian, Schaffhouser, Howard, Jenna Bauer (26:28.9) and Crystal Bragg (27:06.5) ran personal bests.

"We went to this meet today to preview the course and scout the teams that we hope to be competing against in November, when NYU hosts the Atlantic Regional meet. I am confident that we will be competing with No. 8 Geneseo and other top teams at the end of the season," Plattsburgh coach John Lynch said. "I was pleased to see Jen Taft battling back from injury and the improving Jen Modzel who was not able to run at all last year."

Dickinson's Caitlin Bradley was the top individual finisher in 21:30.4, and Geneseo was the top team with 39 points.

Sep. 5, 2007

Female Harriers Make School History

METAIRIE, La. - The Plattsburgh State women's cross country debuted at No. 20 in the U.S. Cross Country Coaches' Association preseason poll for NCAA Division III schools, released today. This marks the highest national ranking for the Cardinals during the John Lynch coaching era, and it is believed to be the earliest in the season that the program has appeared in the national poll.

Click here for complete poll .

Plattsburgh is the second-highest rated team out of the State University of New York Athletic Conference, while Geneseo is No. 8 and Cortland tied for 35th. Amherst is the No. 1 pick and defending NCAA champion Middlebury came in 23rd.

In addition, the Cardinals are second in the Atlantic Region with 95 points and three first-place votes. The SUNYAC rival Knights top the regional with 107 points, including eight first-place votes.

"To be nationally ranked and in the top two in the region, it is quite an honor. I know that we are incredibly excited to represent this institution at such a high level, and we hope that we will all season" Lynch said. "The hard part now is to take these rankings with a grain of salt, because they do not get us to nationals. Double sessions and long runs during the summer, continued focus and determination do get us there. Our women are confident in what they can do, and they look forward to doing wonderful things this year as a team and Plattsburgh State as a whole."

Sep. 3, 2007

Wiszowaty Earns First SUNYAC Award of Season

FREDONIA, N.Y. - The State University of New York Athletic Conference Monday named Plattsburgh State's Toni Wiszowaty the women's cross country runner of the week, for the period ending Sunday.

The senior from Shirley (William Floyd High School) led Plattsburgh to a first-place finish in its own four-team Cardinal Classic on Saturday as she claimed the individual championship. The All-American navigated the 5K course in 18 minutes and 26 seconds to extend her regular season winning streak to three meets dating back to last season. She has also won six of her last 10 starts.

Sep. 1, 2007

Wiszowaty and Teammates Capture Cardinal Classic

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - All-American Toni Wiszowaty and her Plattsburgh State teammates swept the individual and team titles at the Cardinal Women's Cross Country Classic on Saturday. Wiszowaty clocked in at 18 minutes and 26 seconds on the 5K Rugar Woods course at the PSUC Fieldhouse, finishing in first place.

The Cardinals claimed six Top-10 spots including Wiszowaty, Alyssa Recny (2, 18:51.00), Brittney Bezjian (5, 19:07.00), Allison Busby (7, 19:26.00), Nicole Howard (9, 20:10.00) and Jennifer Schaffhouser (10, 20:32.00). Jen Taft also scored with her 12th-place showing in 21:01.00.

"We started the season right. I was very happy to see that since we were running conservatively and still able to win. Toni and Alyssa are already well ahead of where they were last year at this time, and Brittney is way ahead of last year's pace," Plattsburgh coach John Lynch said after the meet. "Every woman had an amazing race, and I am confident the team will continue to improve rapidly. Today was just a stepping stone...nothing more than a trial to test our strength and compare ourselves to another top team in St. Lawrence. The competition will get a little tougher next week when we head down to New York City for the regional preview."

PLACE, TEAM, POINTS, PLACES OF FINISHERS
1, Plattsburgh State, 24, 1-2-5-7-9-10-12
2, St. Lawrence, 34, 3-4-6-8-13-14-15
3, Clarkson, 81, 11-16-17-18-19-20-21
4, Johnson State, 120, 22-23-24-25-26

Top 10 Individuals (with Class, Time and School)
1, Toni Wiszowaty, Sr, 18:26.00, Plattsburgh State
2, Alyssa Recny, Sr, 18:51.00, Plattsburgh State
3, Elizabeth Ludovici, Sr, 18:55.00, St. Lawrence
4, Johannah Ludington, So, 19:05.00, St. Lawrence
5, Brittney Bezjian, Jr, 19:07.00, Plattsburgh State
6, Wendy Pavlus, Fr, 19:20.00, St. Lawrence
7, Allison Busby, Sr, 19:26.00, Plattsburgh State
8, Chelsea Nuffer, So, 19:52.00, St. Lawrence
9, Nicole Howard, Sr, 20:10.00, Plattsburgh State
10, Jennifer Schaffhouser, So, 20:32.00, Plattsburgh State

Aug. 31, 2007

Cardinals Have Set High Expectations for 2007

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - The Plattsburgh State women's cross country team will open its season at 11 a.m. Saturday with the 5K Cardinal Classic at Rugar Woods near the PSUC Fieldhouse. The Cardinals return virtually the entire team that finished 29th at last year's NCAA Championships--Plattsburgh's first trip to the national meet since 1998. The team is also deeper than a year ago with 18 student-athletes on the roster.

Read Coach John Lynch's thoughts on the season and for the Cardinal Classic:

"We return every runner that scored on last year's NCAA qualifying team, and bring back 2005 NCAA All-American Allison Busby (she studied in England last fall). After meeting with the team during our week long preseason, I am excited to say that the majority of our student-athletes are entering this season in better shape than they were at the end of last year, which is an amazing sign. Usually as a coach, you hope that they come to campus in the previous years mid-season form. We have three seasoned veterans leading the squad this year--5-time All-American Toni Wiszowaty, 2-time All-American Allison Busby and 2-time NCAA qualifier Alyssa Recny--all capable of gaining All-America accolades and vying for an individual national championship. This trio is by far the best female distance runners in school history and should be considered one of the best in the country this season. Returnees senior Nicole Howard, junior Brittney Bezjian and sophomore Jenny Schaffhouser have made tremendous improvements over the course of the track season last spring and had outstanding summers of training. They have done a great job of closing the time gaps between themselves and the seniors. Decreasing the time between Toni and our fifth runner crossing the finish line is the key to this team pursuing the dream of placing in the Top 4 at NCAA's. Along with those five females who figure right now to be in the scoring team, we return many others who can factor into our top 5-7 runners. Senior Jen Taft, junior Jen Modzel, freshman Jenna Bauer and junior Caprice Johnson all look to be in the mix to be a part of what could be a historic team. We have the talent and commitment, now it is just a test of our patience and our determination to overcome the trials and tribulations that will come our way over the course of the season. November 10th (NCAA Atlantic Regional) and 17th (NCAA Championships) are the only dates on our mind. Every other day is just progress towards the task at hand.

"We have seven teams coming tomorrow, including Johnson State, Norwich University, Paul Smith's, Clarkson, SUNY-Canton, Potsdam and St. Lawrence. In the past few years it has been pretty easy for us to walk away with both the team and individual wins, but this year it will become more difficult with St. Lawrence added into the mix. The Saints should give us a good challenge on both the men's and women's sides. The SLU men has been ranked in front of us in the preseason polls and the women are a couple spots behind us. It should be a very exciting event."

Coach's Corner from Head Coach John Lynch

"Plattsburgh State Cross Country and hard work go hand-in-hand. The student-athletes here at Plattsburgh are dedicated to the classroom, and to making themselves better runners. The commitment by the distance runners has led to many high performances both academically and athletically. The Cross Country teams consistently raise the bar of success each year and take advantage of the given opportunity to perform at a high level. Freshmen and newcomers improve through consistently applying a high effort. Plattsburgh State is a program that looks at the long-term goals for all of its athletes.

Reaching Full Potential

The Plattsburgh State women's cross country program continues to be a place where student-athletes strive to reach their full potential. Since 1990, 22 Cardinal runners have broken the 20-minute mark in competition, including 10 sub-19-minute performances and a team-best 17:33 mark set in 2000. Also, since the NCAA championship meet went to a distance of 6 kilometers, the team's best time by Allison Busby is at 21 minutes and 27 seconds.

As a team, the Cardinals last won the State University of New York Athletic Conference championship in 1999, but have sent several runners to the NCAA Championship meet. Nine Cardinals have earned SUNYAC Cross Country Hall of Fame honors, and four have received the highest honor in our sport--All-America status--with Busby tabbed in 2005 after a school-record best finish of 4th place at Nationals.

The women's cross country team, like all intercollegiate athletics teams at Plattsburgh State, focuses on a commitment to competitive excellence, academic achievement and community service.

To find out more information about the cross country program, please log on to the team's unofficial website at: http://faculty.plattsburgh.edu/john.lynch

Contact Information

For more information about Cross Country at Plattsburgh State, please contact:

Head Coach: John Lynch
Phone: (518) 564-4145
E-mail: john.lynch@plattsburgh.edu

Plattsburgh State Women's Cross Country

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