2002 Preview

August 29, 2002

NORTON, MA- Entering his fourth season at the helm of the Wheaton College men's and women's cross country teams, head coach Paul Carr knows there is a lot of upside and potential with both of his programs. "Recognizing there is only one senior on either of the squads, we are still young with a great deal of potential," comments Carr.

"We must continually develop both mentally and physically," adds Carr. "I have definitely noticed a difference in our current athletes. They are now committed to the sport and they understand that running is a lifestyle and not an activity." If that lifestyle transcends into a couple of New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) championships in the near future, Carr along with assistant coaches Tom Ryan and Amy Saari won't be opposed.

With the women knocking at the door the last two years and the men finishing in the middle of the pack, Carr realizes he can only worry about what he can control. "We need to focus on ourselves," states Carr. "What athletes we bring onto campus and what we do with them while they're here is what we can monitor. As long as they do the work and understand the dynamics of the program, I will be quite comfortable heading into the conference meet."

Another key element that should come into play is Carr's theory on scheduling. Where several programs are competing each weekend, Carr takes on a different approach by running two meets in September, three in October and hopefully two in November. "We get more bang for our buck," says Carr. "We are saving bullets while getting stronger both mentally and physically. There are only so many bullets in a gun and we don't want to blow them all out at once. There is a reason for everything we do."

On the men's side, the Lyon harriers will have the unenviable task of attempting to replace their top two runners from a year ago. Leading the pack will be a talented trio of juniors in Brannin Buehner (Lubec, ME/Lubec), Peter Cahalane (N. Andover, MA/St. John's Prep) and Terry Panetta (Hicksville, NY/St. Anthony's) along with sophomore Joe Chadwick (Shelburne Falls, MA/Mohawk Trail Regional).

Other key returning members who are expected to make an immediate contribution include senior Chris Scotti (Walpole, MA/Xaverian Brothers) and sophomore Patrick Freytag (Pittsford, NY/McQuaid Jesuit). Also returning is junior Brian Donoghue (Holyoke, MA/Holyoke Catholic). Newcomers include Ross Kahill (S. Portland, ME/S. Portland), Eric Richardson (E. Walpole, MA/Bishop Feehan) and Thomas Watson (Gloucester, MA/Gloucester).

The women's cross country team welcomes the return of NEWMAC Rookie of the Year, Erin O'Brien (N. Easton, MA/Oliver Ames). O'Brien, who was also an All-American during Wheaton's indoor track and field national championship run, will be joined by a strong sophomore class in Lindsey Degon (Palmer, MA/Palmer), Emily Doenges (Milford, CT/Saint Joseph) and Lindsay Whalen (Dedham, MA/Dedham). The lone two juniors on the squad, Jessica Jordan (Cape Elizabeth, ME/Cape Elizabeth) and Nancy Nally (Portland, ME/Portland), both of whom are experienced and know the circuit, will be counted on heavily this fall. Also returning is sophomore Lauren Greenberg (Woodbridge, CT/Amity Regional).

Newcomers who should provide an immediate impact include Liz Brais (Lincoln, RI/Lincoln), Stacy Bolcome (Gloucester, MA/Gloucester), Maggie Guille (Bethesda, MD/Walt Whitman), Christina Langevin (Wilbraham, MA/Minnechaug Regional), Kendra Leith (Holden, MA/Wachusett Regional) and Katherine Rozakis (Somerville, MA/Somerville).

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