The Eastern men’s and women’s cross country teams are going into the 2009 season with one goal: re-establishing themselves at the top of the Ohio Valley Conference.

“Top two (in the conference) is a great goal for both programs,” head coach Geoff Masanet said. “I think we have the mentality this summer that is going to change things from last year.”

Both teams saw mediocre finishes at the OVC Championships last fall. The men finished fourth, while the women placed fifth in the ten-team field.

“We were a good team last year but seemed like we were deer caught in the headlights at every meet. This year I sense more confidence and that is the key to racing well,” Masanet said.

The men’s team welcomes the return of junior Brad LaRocque, who was the Panther’s top runner in 2007 but missed last season due to a pelvic stress fracture. LaRocque was the top finisher among current Eastern runners at the July 4 Panther Prowl, completing the 10-mile course in 56:02.

“I have put all I have into these last five months, mentally and physically,” LaRocque said. “I am coming back with a vengeance and ready to help put this team on the map in the OVC and in Division I cross country.”

LaRocque finished 15th with a 26:03.71 8K at the 2007 OVC Championships, the last cross country race he ran. This season, he should be a threat to break into the top 10 in the conference. According to Masanet, he has also shown to be a great leader this summer, keeping his team together and holding his teammates accountable.

Joining LaRocque is a handful of returning runners who broke into the top seven at various points last season.

Senior Mario Castrejon was the Panthers’ No. 2 runner at the 2008 OVC championships, finishing 19th overall with a 26:58.2 8K. Aaron Iaun is another returning senior. Iaun was 24th at the 2008 OVC Championships with a 27:08.5 8K, third-best on the team.

“Iaun continues to impress with his summer conditioning and could be another surprise in the conference,” Masanet said.

Also returning from last year’s squad are seniors Dave Holm (27th, 27:21.3 at 2008 OVC Championships) and Eric Pederson (37th, 27:58 at 2008 OVC Championships), junior Ryan Hoklas (31st, 27:38 at 2008 OVC Championships), sophomore Jordan Patterson (142nd, 35:49 10K at 2008 NCAA Midwest Regional), and junior Harrison Bueno, who was part of the top seven in 2007.

Masanet also pointed out junior Jason Springer, who was one of the top five Eastern runners at the 2008 alumni meet, could impact the top seven.

“Springer had a nice spring in track,” Masanet said. “He could be a big surprise in cross country this fall, his first true effort at the sport.”

The Panthers should also receive a lift from incoming freshman Graham Morris, who Masanet said should be an immediate impact. With Lawrenceville High School last fall, Morris finished fifth in the IHSA Class A state cross country meet with a 15:27 three mile. He also finished fifth with a 4:23.3 in the 1600-meter run at the IHSA Track state finals this spring.

With the abundance of returning talent the Panthers bring in 2009, LaRocque believes the team is poised to finish at the least in the top three of the OVC.

“We have 12 guys who are brothers to each other, who love the sport, and are ready to push it hard when the time comes. The team is ready to roll. If everybody does what they are supposed to, we should be battling for the top spot in the OVC,” he said.

The women’s team will receive an influx of talent from incoming freshmen, and will also return four of the top five runners from last season.

Senior Erin O’Grady was the No. 1 runner for the Panthers last season. Last season, she finished 18th at the OVC Championships with a 19:50 5K, and 125th at the NCAA Midwest Regional with a 6K time of 27:45. She is joined by junior Caitlin Napoleoni, last year’s No. 2 runner with a 20th place, 19:57 5K at the OVC Championships, and sophomore Erika Foltys, who was 22nd in 19:57 at the OVC Championships.

Sophomore Brittany Arthur also returns from last season, and should be an impact on the top seven. She finished 23rd at last season’s OVC Championships, covering the 5K course in 20:03.

“Arthur has made good strides this summer, running a lot of miles and also showing great maturity in how she is approaching her training,” Masanet said. “(She is) more focused and also more understanding of what it takes to be a good runner.”

Sophomore Olivia Klaus, a transfer from Miami University (Ohio), should also have an instant impact on the team. Klaus was a multiple state champion while competing for Eureka High School.

“(Klaus) had a very good freshman year at Miami, is a straight A student and just a great all around person,” Masanet said.

The Panthers will have three incoming freshmen aiding their cause in 2009: Danielle Dickman out of Vernon Hills, who finished 22nd at the 2008 IHSA Class AA cross country state finals; Stephanie Peisker, out of Crystal lake Central; and Gabriela Duenas out of Hoffman Estates, who was hurt this spring but should be ready to compete in the fall.

“All three should be top seven for us this fall, or at least challenge for a spot,” Masanet said.

This summer, the teams have been completing preseason training that stresses what Masanet refers to as “good old fashioned running.” He explained that the top men will peak at about 80-90 miles per week, while some of the women will hit 65-70 miles per week this summer.

“Mileage is the key to what needs to be done in the summer,” Masanet said. “You can’t fake general fitness and just logging the miles is the number one key to being fit and ready to go!”

The season kicks off for both teams at the Belmont Opener on Sept. 4 in Nashville. The Panthers will host two meets at home this season: the EIU Panther Open on Sept. 11, and the Walt Crawford Alumni Open on Sept. 26. Both races will be held at the Panther Trail.

Jeff Jurinek can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENsportsdesk@gmail.com.

Senior Aaron Iaun returns for the Panthers this fall after posting a 24th place finish at the 2008 OVC Championships with a 27:08.5 5K. He was the number three runner last year’s squad, and has been impressive in summer conditioning. (File Photo)

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