LATHAM, N.Y. - It’s back to the starting line for the United East women’s cross country teams as they are set to compete in a full 2021 schedule. There are a few new factors, including the new “United East” conference moniker as well as the addition of St. Mary’s College of Maryland to the league.
The United East Championship will be hosted by Lancaster Bible College this season with the race landing on Saturday, October 30th. Check out the entire schedule for each team HERE: WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY SCHEDULE
Check out how each of the squads stack up here:
Gallaudet UniversityHead Coach (# Season): Byron Moore (7th season)
2019 Postseason: 8th place at NEAC Championship
Key Returners/Players to Watch:
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Courtney Hocog, So. - (All-NEAC 3rd Team, 20th at 2019 NEAC Championship, 27:52)
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Cassie Friday, So. - (53rd at 2019 NEAC Championship, 32:04)
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Hannah Wetzel, Jr. - (69th at 2019 NEAC Championship, 39:49)
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Cassidy LeBaron, So.
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Alexys Santiago, So.
Key Losses:
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Sierra Pratt
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Taylor Nguyen
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Fatuma Ali
Coach’s Season Outlook (Quote from coach): “This is a rebuilding year for the Gallaudet men’s and women’s cross country programs after we lost last year due to the coronavirus. Our challenge is our runners who were new to the team in 2019, before COVID, are now thrust into the role of being a veteran on the team and being a leader. It will be interesting to watch that dynamic this fall with both teams. We have many motivated returners and new talented runners who have brought excitement and positively impacted the atmosphere around our program. It’s great to see, something I haven’t seen in a while,” said Gallaudet men’s and women’s cross country head coach Byron Moore.
Lancaster Bible College
Head Coach (# Season): Katy Brake (1st Season)
2019 Postseason: 3rd of 9
Key Returner/Player to Watch (Name, Yr):
Key Losses:
Coach’s Season Outlook: Despite losing most of our top runners, our women's team has an energy that just makes you smile and want to be a part of the community. We will put in the hard work and continue to get better. Who knows, we may even surprise ourselves with what we discover this season. As the new coach this season, I am humbled by the opportunity to work with these young men and women as we strive to honor God through running and fearlessly pursue growth in sport and character. This season will be one of discovery as we tap into the gifts God has given us.
Penn College
Head Coach (# Season): Nick Patton (7th season)
2019 Record: N/A
2019 Postseason: N/A
Key Returner/Player to Watch (Name, Yr):
Key Losses:
Coach’s Season Outlook (Quote from coach): We are in a rebuilding year; will be looking to establish an identity this season.
Penn State Abington
Head Coach (# Season): Jim McClernand 5th
2019 Postseason: Meghan Hurst (6th place at NEAC Conference Champs for 1st Place All Conference Team)
Key Returner/Player to Watch (Name, Yr): N/A
Key Losses:
Coach’s Season Outlook (Quote from coach): I’m excited about this group of women. While they are not very experienced runners, they are eager and anxious to compete. There could be a few surprises.
Penn State Berks
Head Coach (# Season): Katie Scheetz-Jones (Ninth Season)
2019 Postseason: 4/9 at NEAC Championship
Key Returners/Players to Watch:
Penn State Harrisburg
Head Coach (# Season): TBD
2019 Postseason: NEAC Championships
Key Returner/Player to Watch (Name, Yr):
- Abagail Marquardt, Jr. (23:54.4)
Key Losses:
Season Outlook: Penn State Harrisburg is looking to retool after a 2020 devoid of competition. The Lions will be led by a returning Abagail Marquardt; the team’s most consistent performer in 2019. The Blue & White are set to compete at five high-profile local meets in preparation for the United East Championships in late October.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Head Coach (# seasons): Reava Potter (1st Season)
2019 Postseason: N/A - No Team Score at CAC Championships
Key Returner / Player to Watch:
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Isabel Hermes, Sr. - 26:14.7 at NCAA Regionals
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Madeline Blasidell, So.
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Grace Dillingham, Jr. - 25:55.2 at NCAA Regionals
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Natalie Romero (Newcomer)
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Kendal Eldridge (Newcomer)
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Blythe Petit (Newcomer)
Key Losses:
Coach's Season Outlook: I'm excited about the group of young women that are returning and incoming. The first-years add depth to our talented upperclassmen and look to do something special.
SUNY Morrisville
Head Coach (# Season): Derek Powers (24th)
2019 Postseason: 7th
Key Returners/Players to Watch:
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Pippy Pritchard (Fr.)
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Madison Tomkins (Fr.)
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Veronika Alinskas (Jr.)
Key Losses:
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The United East has nine NCAA Division III member institutions which include: Gallaudet University, Lancaster Bible College, Morrisville State, Penn College, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Harrisburg, St. Mary's College of Maryland and Wells College. The United East also includes three associate members in the sport of men’s golf including Rosemont College, Rutgers University – Camden and Wilson College. The United East has also partnered with the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference in the sports of men's and women's lacrosse and the North Atlantic Conference in men's tennis and women's tennis. For more information, please visit: gounitedeast.com.