Behrend
Women's Cross Country Earns Preseason AMCC Recognition
The Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference released the 2004 Cross Country preseason Coaches Poll earlier this week, naming Penn State Behrend senior Jessica Knapp (Erie/McDowell) as preseason Runner of the Year. Also the women's team is predicted to recapture the AMCC Cross Country title. The program's first championship was one in 2001.
"We are dedicated to bringing home the AMCC title," said fourth-year head coach Dave Cooper. "It's a good feeling that the other coaches in the league recognize our commitment."
Knapp has twice been named AMCC Runner of the Year (2001 & 2003). She was the top runner in seven out of eight invitationals for the Behrend Lions during the 2003 season. Last season at the NCAA Regionals, Knapp placed 15 out of 264 competitors. She will be expected to provide leadership as the co-captain of the 2004 squad.
Also, sophomore Leslie Gentile (Corry/Corry) was named by the league as an athlete to watch during the upcoming 2004 cross country season. Gentile was named the AMCC Newcomer of the Year last season and earned NCAA All-Mideast freshmen honors.
The blue and white will kick off the season with the Westminster Invitational on September 4 at 10:00 a.m.
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