September 1, 2004

Zips Open Cross Country Season at Lake Marie Relays

The Akron men's and women's cross country seasons open the 2004 season this Saturday at the Lake Marie Relays hosted by Ashland University. Both squads enter the season with optimism. The young men's team was picked to finish sixth in the Mid-American Conference in a pre-season coaches poll. The team will be led by two-time MVP David Howard. He will be backed up by four other lettermen from last year's team: Adam Bray, Scott Mate, Chris Perun, and David Pykare. Rejoining the team after a year's sabbatical is 2001 MVP Todd Moyers. Talented newcomers Jason Headman, Lenny King, Craig Rupe, Clayton Watson, and Ricky Weisheimer should also make strong contributions to the team's success.

The women's team is ranked 8th in the ultra-competitive Great Lakes Region and was picked to place second in the Mid-American Conference. Two-time MVP Adriana Zalucka, who placed 49th at the 2002 NCAA Championships, returns for her third season. She is joined by All-MAC performer Morgan Sulzener, two-time All-MAC track honoree Jennie Castle, Brandi Schoeppner, Becki Michael, and Rachel Zubricky from last year's team. Beata Rudzinska, a three-time All American in the 800m and seven-time MAC champion will make her cross country debut this season. Rudzinska has won all of her competitions against MAC performers, including a thrilling 1500m triumph over Briana Shook in last year's MAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships.