Garger optimistic at start of first collegiate season
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Cross country
RELATED: 2010 MEN/2010 WOMEN/SCHEDULE/REGIONAL RANKINGS
FREDONIA, N.Y. -- The 2010 men’s and women’s cross country teams enter the season under the direction of newly appointed head coach Mike Garger, who comes to the Blue Devils after a long successful tenure at Geneseo High School.
Garger, along with new assistant coaches Deshaya Williams and Justin McQuality, bring plenty of experience to their new jobs. “I’m very excited to work with Coach Williams and Coach McQuality,” said Garger, whose resume consists of numerous Section V cross country and track and field titles and a 2007 girls’ cross country championship. Both of his cross country teams compiled records of 42-0 last season.
Garger comes into the season full of excitement. “I’m looking forward to putting on the Fredonia colors,” he said.
The new coach has plenty of reasons to be excited. The men’s team comes into the season ranked sixth in the preseason Atlantic Region rankings released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. As for the women, Garger 20 girls participating this year, more than doubling the roster of eight girls in 2009.
On the men’s side, senior Nick Guarino (Bergen/Byron-Bergen) is coming off national titles in both Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field in the 2009-2010 season, and when teamed up with brother Josh Guarino, they make for a dynamic duo. “The Guarinos are way more fit this year and are equaling their passion for track and field with cross country.”
Along with the Guarinos, Garger sees a bright season for fellow senior Matt Kepler (Valley Cottage/Nyack). Sophomore Jake Krautwurst (LeRoy) is back from an ankle injury that kept him from participating in the 2009 campaign. Sophomore Ryan Delaney (Coram/Longwood) enters the season with a strong work ethic. Newcomer Nico Piacentini (Webster/Webster-Schroeder) comes from a strong high school.
Garger expects to be in the hunt for a SUNYAC title along with top teams SUNY Geneseo and SUNY Plattsburgh. “We’re proud but not satisfied,” Garger said of the men’s high pre-season ranking. “The rankings matter most in November.”
As for the outlook on the women’s side, Garger is excited for such a large turnout of runners this year. Amanda Solly (West Seneca/West Seneca East), a transfer from Erie Community College, has been a top runner during pre-season runs. A number of competitive freshmen join the team as well who hope to improve on last year’s season. Becca List (Hilton), Lauren Truby (Spencerport), Gretchen Herb (Lewiston/Lewiston-Porter), Erica Beesmer (West Hurley/Onteora), and Alissa Conti (Fredonia) provide talented youth on a deep roster. Sophomore Kateri Walsh (West Seneca/Mount Mercy) and junior Shannon Gowen (Clarence) look to have strong seasons as well.
“The women would like to join the men in the next (Sept. 7) rankings” said an optimistic Garger.
The Blue Devils open the season Saturday at the Buffalo State Daniel Walker Invitational at Beaver Island State Park on Grand Island.