Bloomsburg 2006 Men's Cross Country Preview

BLOOMSBURG-The Bloomsburg University men's cross country team begins the 2006 season with high hopes. After finishing sixth at the PSAC championships and 10th at the NCAA regionals a year ago, coach Karen Brandt feels the prospects for the team are bright.

"We have a group of men who have committed themselves to their summer training and have a strong base of training from spring track," said Brandt. "Led by All-American Justin Sheperd (Cranberry Township/ Seneca Valley) and a strong group of incoming freshmen, I feel this team has what it takes to finish among the top five teams at NCAA regional competition."

Shepherd, a senior co-captain, is expected to run a very strong number one for the team, as well as to be a front-runner within the conference and region. Shepherd was 19th in the nation at last fall's NCAA championship, earning All-America honors, and comes off a track season in which he produced personal-bests at both 5000 and 10,000 meters. He'd like to close his college career as a national medalist. To that end, Shepherd has redoubled his preparation and very well may even exceed his expectations.

The Huskies other senior co-captain, Dan Ezzi (Mechanicsburg/ Trinity), was often the number two runner last cross season and returns determined to retain that position as well as to reduce the gap between himself and Shepherd.

Misha Litvinov (Drums/ Hazleton Area) is a freshman to college cross country, but produced a strong freshman track season last spring, qualifying for the conference championships in the 10,000 meters. Junior Tim Marcoe (Lansdale/ Lansdale Catholic), senior co-captain Chip Carnes (Williamsport/ Williamsport), sophomore Jim Stockley (Elverson/ Twin Valley), junior Dan Tallarico (Pittsburgh/ North Tallarico) and sophomore Mike Dalton (Lake Hopatcong, NJ/ Pope John XXIII) all would like to consistently find themselves in the top five of this year's squad. They've prepared well this summer and are far ahead of last year's level of conditioning. Shawn Lively adds both experience and maturity to the mix. Summer training was maxed and after sitting out last season, Shawn is hungry to compete at the college level. He's been pushing the pack throughout pre-season and looks to be a strong addition to the team.

Among the newcomers who the Huskies will be counting on for strong performances are Ora Merkel (Northeast/ Northeast) and Dan Downing (Ambler/ Wissahickon). Merkel was second team All-Suburban One League as a senior and helped his team to a 4 x 800 meter relay third place finish at the PIAA state championships. Downing was All-League as both a junior and senior. As a group, the men are committed to improving their place within the conference as well as in regional championship races.