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CANTON, N.Y. -- The 2011 men's and women's cross country season draws to a close Saturday, unless a member of either Fredonia State team qualifies for nationals.
The Blue Devils -- seven men and seven women -- will compete in the NCAA Atlantic Regional, hosted by St. Lawrence University.
Of the 14 Fredonia State runners competing, junior Peter Francia has the best chance of extending the season.
"This is a great opportunity for him," head coach
Tom Wilson said, "to qualify for nationals individually."
He will be joined by juniors
David Ballard and
Jack Bennett; and freshmen
Alex Gonzalez,
Zakk Hess,
Jonmichael Knapp, and
Chris Shartrand.
"We're sending out a young, freshman team and trying to move forward," Wilson said. "We're looking to end the cross country season with some good individual placements."
On the women's side, Wilson will send out freshmen
Amanda Cocchiara and
Angela Richter, sophomores
Alissa Conti and
Kim Foltz, juniors
Chelsea Haag and
Kateri Walsh, and senior
Amanda Solly.
"Basically, we'll try to pick up where we left off at the SUNYAC meet," he said. "Our goal is to finish in the Top 15."
There are 370 men and 348 women entered in the two races -- 6,000 meters for the women at 11 a.m.; 8,000 meters for the men at noon -- on the Ronald C. Hoffmann Cross Country course.
The top teams and individuals will move on to the NCAA championship meet Nov. 19 at Oshkosh, Wis.
