August 30, 2006
2006 Mercy Cross Country Anticipating a Strong
Season
Dobbs Ferry, NY- This year marks the 30th season for Mercy's Cross Country programs as well as for Head Coach Darryl Bullock. Last season saw the men finish fifth as a team at the league championships while Katelyn Klobus (Babylon, NY) was the women's representative, placing 23rd. With both squads having a solid summer work out schedule, Bullock is hoping to see improvement in both his men's and women's lineups this season. "I am looking for both groups to step up their distance and knock off some time from last season," said Bullock.
The 2006 season begins on September 9, when Mercy travels to the Connecticut College Invitational. The next two meets will see the Flyers travel to Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx; where they compete in the NYU Invitational and Iona's Br. Doyle Meet of Champions. "I really want the men's team to break the top 10 at the NYU Invitational, to show our progress from last year," said Bullock. The Iona meet will give Mercy a chance to compete at a high level, going up against Division I schools. Mercy begins the month of October at the Golden Knight Joust hosted by the College of Saint Rose. The UAlbany Invitational will then set the final tone before the East Coast Conference (ECC) Championships. "We are competing in a very tough conference," said Bullock. "We have scheduled some challenging meets in hope that they will get us ready for the conference championship in late October."
Bullock believes he has a strong men's squad this year. Key returners include Miguel Reyes (Haverstraw, NY) and Jose Gomez (Monroe, NY), who finished eighth and 24th respectively, at last year's league championship. Reyes also finished in the top 25 at the NCAA Northeast Regional and earned All-NYCAC Second Team honors. Thomas Cannanato (Goshen, NY), a transfer from Orange County Community College, is expected to make and immediate impact. "Tommy is a very driven runner and adds a great work ethic to the team," said Bullock. Edward Murray (W. Islip, NY) will set the tone for the squad as the captain. "I have seen him mature over the years and he has the motivation to win," said Bullock. Giving the Flyers a deep lineup will be juniors Peter Yarema (Northport, NY) and Daniel Reeves (Babylon, NY), along with sophomore Kevin Gibson (Buenos Aires, Argentina).
One goal that the men's team has set is to finish in the top three at the ECC Championships. "The fifth place finish was a disappointment for us last season," said Bullock. "This year we have the talent to be at the top, it is just getting to that point." One way the team is looking to achieve this goal is to close a one to two minute gap from the runners who finished in the top five at each meet.
A challenge during the off season was to bring in recruits for the women's program. "I made a very conscious effort to recruit runners that will blend well with the team and will help make us competitive in our league," said Bullock. One newcomer is Janet Wong (Vancouver, Canada), who is solid, strong, and has great endurance. Klobus is the top returning runner on the women's side. She is hoping her successful 2005 season, where she led the team in time and competed in the NCAA Northeast Regional, will continue in 2006. Latasha Williams (Bronx, NY) is another returner to watch, as well as newcomers Susan Paulsen (Goshen, NY) and Jasmine Jackson (Queens, NY).
With this year's talent that was brought in to join with the returning student-athletes, the women's program is looking to finish in the middle of the pack at the ECC Championship. "I feel that the women's team can be successful because they have the willingness to work hard and to compete at the highest level possible," said Bullock.
