After a pair of third place finishes at the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Championships last year, the Penn State Altoona men's and women's cross country squads appear poised for a promising 2007 campaign.  The Lions welcome 10 newcomers into the program who, teamed with a small but savvy group of returners, could enjoy success in both conference and regional competition.

 " We have a dedicated, hard working group of runners this year," noted first year head coaches Matt and Heidi Manfred.  "One thing we have talked about is extending the limits of what Penn State Altoona cross country is capable of.  There is an abundance of natural potential that can be overcome in part by breaking down mental barriers."

The Altoona women return just two runners, senior Cynthia Bernardez and sophomore Tara Sipe, from last season and no one from its 2005 AMCC Championship squad.  The Manfreds expect both to serve as positive role models and leaders both on and off the course.  Four freshmen and one sophomore will round out the seven-runner women's roster. 

"This small group covers a wide spectrum of experience levels," said the Manfreds.  "All of them are working hard and prepared to tackle the challenges of the season ahead.  The ultimate goal is to get back to the level we competed at in 2005 when we won the conference."     

On the men's side, returning runners Rich Hanlon, Mark Savidge, Chris Bradigan, and Zach Berger all competed in at least five races a season ago and should provide a steady and calming influence on their younger teammates.  The Lions lost arguably the best runner in Penn State Altoona history in Jonathan Barthelemy, who holds numerous school records and had four top 10 finishes last season.

The men's squad welcomes six new runners, five freshmen and one sophomore, who have shown promising potential in preseason camp.  All 10 runners on the 2007 roster have competitive race experience and a wealth of natural ability.

 "The men have already demonstrated a deep desire to achieve their collective and individual goals," noted the Manfreds.  "They understand that we must train harder and more intelligently than our opponents to find success."

To open the 2007 schedule, Penn State Altoona will host the first ever Blue White Classic at American Legion Park in Hollidaysburg.  Along with the hosts, four other collegiate men's and women's teams will be represented including fellow AMCC members Mount Aloysius and Lake Erie, local foe Juniata, and Division I St. Francis.  The Blue White Classic replaces the Penn State Altoona Lion Invitational, which ran from 2003-2006 and ceased when former Lion coach Doug Hoover left the program. 

Matt and Heidi Manfred, who assisted Hoover for the past three seasons, have been especially impressed with the team attitude and chemistry, which they attribute to a two-day preseason trip.  For the first time in Penn State Altoona cross country history, the teams traveled to Camp Sequanota in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands to train and grow as a unit.  Amid double training sessions and team meetings, the athletes also completed a special service project to thank the camp.  Coaches and runners moved tons upon tons of gravel via bucket, wheelbarrow, and wagon to help create a stone parking lot for camp visitors.

 "The trip was a great success," noted Matt and Heidi.  "Not only were we able to grow as a team and continue to improve as runners, but we also were able to give something back.  The athletes felt a sense of pride after seeing the finished project, and we're proud of the effort they put forward."