In 2007 the Centenary College Cross Country Team will have a variety of runners with distinct styles making up this year’s roster.  The biggest obstacle for the Cyclones this season will be their move from the Skyline Conference to the PAC (Pennsylvania Athletic Conference).  Running against strong competition such as Misericordia, Gwynedd Mercy and Cabrini will give the team a chance to make an impression against a new class of competition.

Both the men’s and the women’s squads this season will be relatively inexperienced however on the women’s front the team will be looking for the leadership of senior captain Annie Castellano (Red Bank/Middletown South) to set an example for the newcomers.  Castellano ran in four races for the Cyclones last year, placing in the top half of the competition in two of them.  Coach Wesley looks for her to bring her workman like attitude and her experience to the youthful team as well as act as the cornerstone of his program this season. 

Other veterans returning adding to lead the charge are Ayana Way (Edison/John P. Stevens) and Lindsey Edwards (Staten Island/St. John Villa Academy).  Way and Edwards, both who are members of the Centenary women’s basketball team as well, bring athleticism and speed to the group of returnees.  Incoming freshman Mary Busichio (Roselle Park/Roselle Catholic) will also bring excitement to the team with her supreme speed. 

The men’s team graduated their top runner from 2006, Sean O’Keefe but added two strong members to pick up where O’Keefe left off.  Mike Barcellona (Washington/ Warren Hills) and Mike Gummerson (Kittatinny/Kittatinny) are new to cross country but not new to Centenary athletics.  Gummerson is also a two sport athlete, participating in wrestling over the winter months.  Coach Wesley looks to get strong and consistent performances out of these two over the season.  Also returning for the Cyclones is sophomore Jeffery Lopez (Ventnor/Atlantic City) who ran in two races last year for the team.  Incoming freshman Brian Dunphy (Clifton/Clifton) will also be an asset to the men’s side, bringing in stability and depth to the squad. 

Overall, Coach Wesley expects Centenary College to be a formidable opponent for upcoming season and says, “it will be an exciting time to watch this group grow up before our eyes.”