By Jerry Reilly, Sports Information Director
A roster devoid of seniors has interim head coach Tom Wilson optimistic about the 2011 Fredonia State men's cross country team, and beyond. The key returners are juniors Jake Krautwurst, Ryan Delaney and Jack Bennett; and sophomore Nico Piacentini. A solid junior college transfer and a freshmen class with impressive high school credentials will join them.
Krautwurst finished 13th – best among the Blue Devils – at the 2010 SUNYAC championship meet after spending much of the season as his team's No. 4 runner. He earned a place on the All-SUNYAC Team. Meanwhile, Dalaney was a top-five finisher most of 2010, and Piacentini was in the top seven. Delaney and Bennett each improved in the 5,000 meters while running track – Delaney outdoors, Bennett indoors.
Wilson, who took over the track & field/cross country program last January, cites leadership when talking about all four, mixed in with opportunity to prove themselves as runners. They form a solid returning corps. Peter Francia represents a proven talent who's new to the program. He attended Alfred State the last two years and earned a NJCAA national ranking.
“Peter,” Wilson said, “will have a huge impact right away.”
Time will tell on Wilson's most notable freshmen.
“Alex Gonzalez,” he said, “has made a huge name for himself in the Section VI rankings over the last few years, winning countless cross country races (at Dunkirk H.S.). Chris Shartrand will be a key runner, coming from a successful running program in high school (Shenendehowa). Nick Watson brings huge talent to the Blue Devils. He specializes in the middle distances, but has already shown he can handle longer distances. Zakk Hess comes from a high school program where he shined (North Rose-Wolcott). This will be his first cross country season (yet) he is coming off a huge senior year qualifying for the outdoor New York State outdoor track championships in the mile.”
The other returning runners are juniors David Ballard, Brian Gallagher, Philip Miller, Adam Steves, and Jon Williams; and sophomores Cal Hayward, Jesse Mintz, and Steve Whittemore. The freshmen class also consists of Dan Green, Jonmichael Knapp, and Jed Kovalovsky.
Wilson feels that if all the pieces fall together, the Blue Devils could be in the hunt for a SUNYAC title this year and for years to come. The Blue Devils enter the season – which starts Sept. 3 at Buffalo State's Daniel Walker Invitational – ranked No. 10 in the USTFCCCA Atlantic Region preseason poll.
“We have our work cut out for us this season,” Wilson said, “but there is not doubt in my mind that this crew of runners can really make a statement this year in the SUNYAC conference. We will make a strong push to de-thrown Geneseo this year. Where we come up short, we will have another opportunity next fall, with no seniors this year. We are young and full of hidden talent.”
