August 12, 2009 

BRYANT TABBED TO FINISH NINTH IN MEN'S AND WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY PRESEASON POLLS

SMITHFIELD, RI - After only one season competing against Northeast Conference opponents, the Bryant University men's and women's cross country squads were selected to finish ninth in their respective preseason polls, as voted on by the conference coaches.

Both cross country squads made Bulldog history last season as they became the first teams to compete for a conference championship at the Division I level. The teams expect their youth to break through this season, as sophomores John Mitton (North Reading, Mass.) and Kat Ragone (Bourne, Mass.) will look to lead the way.

Ragone finished a team-best 35th overall at last season's NEC championships and will look to improve in her sophomore season. Ragone will be accompanied by three strong incoming freshmen in Deirdre Doyle, Megan Robertson and Courtney Bernard, who are all expected to make an immediate impact.

Also expected to help the Bulldogs along the way this season are: Katelyn Arouca (Hanson, Mass.), Jennifer Denise (East Patchogue, N.Y.), Amanda Garber (Brewster, N.Y.), Marrissa Donovan (Belmont, N.H.), Emily Gilfoy, Katrijn Moulin and Molly Tower.

On the men's side, Mitton will have a strong following starting with juniors Ben Coughlin (Worcester, Mass.), Chris Kelleher (Ellington, Conn.), and Scott Twardowski (Rehoboth, Mass.). Incoming freshman David Hurley is also expected to have a breakout season for the Bulldogs.

Lone senior Austin Huminski (Oyster Bay, N.Y.), sophomore Ryan Busby (Derry, N.H.) and freshman Colin Gannon will also contribute in the Bulldogs' second season against Division I competition.

Quinnipiac was tabbed as the preseason favorite in the both men's and women's polls with Sacred Heart taking the No. 2 spot in both polls. For the women, Monmouth was picked to finish third with Saint Francis (PA) and Central Connecticut rounding out the top five. The women's field concludes with Robert Morris and Wagner in a tie for sixth and Mount St. Mary's finishing one spot ahead of the Bulldogs. Rounding out the pack are Long Island, St. Francis (NY) and Fairleigh Dickinson, respectively.

For the men, Mount St. Mary's, who received one first-place vote, was tabbed third with Monmouth and Saint Francis (PA) rounding out the top five. The men's field continues with Wagner, Central Connecticut and Robert Morris finishing one spot in front of the Bulldogs. Rounding out the field for the men is Long Island, Farleigh Dickinson and St. Francis (NY).

The Bulldogs will host the Bryant XC Invitational to open their season on Friday, Sept. 4 at 4 p.m.