Edinboro University CROSS COUNTRY 1990 Men's and Women's Cross Country MEDIA GUIDE ^‘Excellence'’ a Watts Tradition MEN AND WOMEN'S 1990 Cross Country Schedule Sept Sept 8 22 Oct Oct Oct Oct. Nov. 5 13 20 27 3 Nov. Nov. 17 24 Buffalo ♦.•M.w,....w...w...w...,....M,.,..,..,..w«>n..ww.w«ww.Away Dartmouth^ Houaton^ Wake Forest^ Wiillam and Mary ___ Notre Dame... . ............. Hortinveat PA.,.....«.........«.«..„.,„....,...„,..„Home 11 a.m. Albany, Cornell, or Cincinnati (women only) ..«..Away PSAC Championahipa (Slippery Rock)........... ....Jtway NCAA Dhr. II Regionala Bryant Coiiege, _______________ .....Away Providence, Rl NCAA DIv. II Natlonala (Humboldt CA). TAC Raleigh, NC „»J^way ------------------------------ r,r--tr.,r ^ _____ ................................. ................................. .............. .. .. _____________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1991 Track and Reid Schedule Jen. 11 Jan, 17 Jan. 28 1 Feb. Feb. 8-9 Feb. 16 Feb. 23 Feb. 28 March 2 March 8-9 March 22-23 March 29-30 April 6 April 11-13 April 20 April 21-22 April 23 April 25-28 April 27 April 29 May 3 May 9-11 May 17 May 23-25 May 30-June t Beldwin-Wailace Open__ _______.............. ...JVway Baldwin-Wailaca RelaysCAN/AM. ...J^way Slippery Rock Open Away Toronto Championahipa __ Knights of Columbus Away Slippery Rock Relaya.. ...J^way Eaatem Michigan.......................... ....... —J^way University of Michigan_______ NCAA Division II Indoor Championships North Carolina State Relays................ ...JVway Colonial Relays ............................... . Akron University ...... Dogwood Relays ..................................... Slippery Rock Open .... N.W. PA Decathlon/Heptathlon................... . N.W. PA Qualifier 1 Penn Relays____ .-J^way Baldwin-Waiiace Invites N.W. PA Qualifier H— —Home Baldwin-Waiiace Quad PSAC Championships - Shippensburg ..JVway Baldwin-Waliaee test Chancs NCAA Division II Championships .......... -Jkway NCAA Division 1 Championship __ .............................................................. ............... ______________________ _____ ......... .................... _________________________ ____________________ — ------------------------------------------------------------------------.. The only season the Scots have not been ranked in the top twenty in the nation was Watts' first at Edinboro. His overall dual match record now reads a sparkling 101-8 in 21 seasons at the Edinboro helm. In addition, ten of his Edinboro runners have been U.S. Olympic trial qualifiers. The much heralded mentor, who was selected national Coach of the Year four times, has published numerous distance running articles for national publications. A 1976 and 1980 Oiympic coach nomi­ nee, Watts annualiy conducts a summer pre-season endurance training camp for both young men and women. The successful Edinboro coach, who is an Akron University graduate, began his coaching career at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. He introduced a running program that yieided a two-year record of 19-0 and a dstrict championship. Watts currently resides in Edinboro with his wife, Margaret, and their two children, Wendy and Christopher. Excellence in coaching and a win­ ning tradition are terms that have become synony­ mous with Edinboro University's cross country coach Doug Watts. Since his tenure began at Edinboro in 1969, the Running Scots have experienced nothing but success under his tutelage which has produced numerous All Amer­ icans and team championships. Watts' coaching credentials speak for themselves, showing 17 consecutive undefeated seasons which inciudes a string of 71 consecutive dual meet victo­ ries, five nationai championships, back to back NAiA tities in 1975 and 1976, and consecutive NCAA Division II num­ ber one finishes from 1986 through 1988. His teams aiso boast four NCAA il runner-up team trophies, plus finishes of third, fifth and ninth. .................... ________________________ _______________ ............................... ......_______ __________________ ____________ ............... ______________________________________ _______________________________ ______________________________________________________ Cross Country and Track Philosophy 2. A TEAM concept in training com­ petition. "Generaliy, we attract the middle distance and distance athiete who is seeking a special environment for running,” offered Head Coach Doug Watts on describing his track and cross country program at Edinboro University. A student-athlete may consider Edinboro because of the foiiowing particular benefits. 3. A distance-based training pro­ gram integrating seiected road races as a training supplement. 4. Division I schedule of intercolle­ giate competition. 5. A program that ailows personal direction and individualism, a proper balance between aca­ demics and athletics ... and fun. ____________ ..................................................................................... ____________________________________________ . ............ ........................................ ................... ......_____ ............ • 2- 1. A small school setting, academicaily oriented, that generaiiy allows for a fuller personal devel­ opment in the classroom, athlet­ ics and social activities; yet offers a large, diversified choice of edu­ cational majors and specialties. 6. A tradition of exceilence and proven success in running within an environment supportive and respectful of distance runners. 3 - - Will the Scot Men Bounce Back in 1990? Characteristically, the physique of a cross country runner Is generally on the smaller side. Uncharac­ teristically though, the 1990 edition of the Edinboro Universi^ Fighting Scot cross country team match­ Knapp, much Improved over the last twelve months, adds quality, depth and gives the Boro a shot at their sixth national championship under Watts’ guidance. An All-American In the es that physical profile of runners. steeplechase competition last spring, Knapp Is ‘This Is the ‘smallest’ squad I have ever expected to grace the cross country AA ranks In coached,” said veteran coach Doug Watts. ”Not November. only are we critically sl^ on the number of bodies "K stiH amazes me what consistent training and at the top of the competition order, but what bodies desire can accomplish,” Watts said In reference to we do have could be carried off by a strong gust of Knapp. It Is pleasing as a coach to see a runner wind." rewarded for such great effort” Although small in stature, the twosome leading Sipei, returning from a year off. Is expected to the squad could be called the best 1-2 punch in a rejoin his '88 All American status. According to his long list of Edinboro University greats. One step veteran coach, Sipei has the ability to run In the top better than that, this pair could battle each other for 10 at the national meet the NCAA Division II individual crown in November. Matthews, a new addition In '90, could be the final Chris Rauber (Sr., Pittsburgh, PA) and Uriel ingredient to fielding the finest team Watts has ever Rivera (Sr., Medellin, Colombia) are the twosome coached in his 12-year stint at Edinboro. Matthews and return to lead the Scots In pursuit of their fourth has proven his running abilities with times of national championship in five years. 8:50.00 in the steeplechase and 14 teens in the Rauber, national runner-up in '89, returns his 120 5,000. pound frame in search of improving Just one spot ‘Brian will be tough from day one,” mentioned better at the national title race in Humboldt, CA. VWitts. "What may be more important he wants to According to Watts, Rauber displays the talent, run for a good team and I think that will only make determination and psychological stamina needed to him better.” become a national champion. A two-time All Ameri­ With five top notch runners, certainly enough to can, Rauber has Improved each year and Is make a strong bid for team national honors. Watts’ expected to make another big jump in his perfor- crew again appears to be the national tevorite. But marice level. "Rauber is still quite young psy^logithe always cautious mentor quickly quiets that talk. cally, but his desire and commitment is definitely "Our '89 team had the same roster shortage and ^adult-llke. He couk) win it all this year," said Watts despite a great team effort we couldn’t overcome Ill­ * with a smile. ness to two of our top five and came up a bit short” * Rivera, coming off his first year with the Scots, Last year the Scots finished national runner up by was eighth at last year’s championship race and just a scant five points. presents a formidable obstacle to any national level Aiding the cause in '90 will be sophomore Bruce runner despite his 110 pound frame. Becker (Palnesville, OH), senior Rich Asmondy "I came to Edinboro as an 800 meter runner but (Parma, OH) and newcomers Jamie Workman that all changed," quipped the Colombian native. (Columbia Cross Roads, PA) and Sean Brady Following the 1989 year It became obvious that (Edinboro, PA). Rivera changed his perspective, as he went on to Becker has run 9:20.00 in the Steeple and could capture the gold medal In both the 5,000 and assume a scoring position while the latter trio could 10,000 meter race at ’89 national Track Champi­ all make a run at the team's top seven spots. onships. The usually vigorous schedule Is no different for Bejtond Rauber and Rivera, the next top three Edinboro this fall. The team battles the likes of runners are the key to the Scots national champi­ Wake Forest Dartmouth, Georgetown and Houston onship hopes in 1990. And like the top two, none of in early September before their October 5th trip to the trio exceed 135 pounds on the scale. Scott South Bend, IN for the prestigious Notre Dame Invi­ Knapp (Victor, NY), Harvey "Skip” Sipei (Bufteio, tational. NY) and newcomer Brian Matthews (Barry, Wales, Edinboro will be looking to peak once again at the UK) round out Watts' top five. national title race In Humboldt California on the 7th. Chris Rauber Uriel Rivera Scott Knapp 2 time Cross Country All-Ameri­ can. 2nd in the National Meet in '89. May vie for National Champi­ onship in *90. Cross Country All-American in '89. 5 & 10,DOOM National Chanv pion in '89. Also a contender for National crown in '90 All-American in the Steeplechase in '89. May grace AA status in '90 for Cross Country. Adds depth to the top 5 on the squad. Skip Sipei Brian Matthews All-American in CC in '8a Returns after taking '89 season off. Has the ability to run in the top 10 at the national meet Recorded an 8:50, 14to0 teens in the steeplechase, 5,000. New to the Scots in VO from UK. May be the final ingredient to fielding a national champion. Donna Thibert Mariann Eekandorf Audra Navjokas CC AA in '89 placing 7th at the national meet Runner-up in the 3 and 5,000 last season in track. Can compete for a National title in '90. A multiple All-Conference runner last season. Very hard worker. Runs better on tougher courses. Runs sub-1 OtoO 3,000 and 4:40 in the 1,500. Achilles injury held her out of the national meet in CC last Fall. BethSorber Marty Marezak A red-shirt freshman a year ago. Turned in a 4:46 in the 1,500M race in track last spring. After a strong pre­ season training period, she should break into the team's top 5. Did not compete in Cross Country last seasoa Completed a solid track sea­ son last spring, sub-2:13 800M and a 4:40 in the 1,500. Has renewed long distarKe vigor for '90. Lady Scots Look to Regain National Form A less than expected performance at the national championships stained an otherwise successful season for the Edinboro University Lady Scots last fall. Using a negative as motivation, Coach Doug Watts is hoping the season finale in '89 may be the spark needed to fuel his team to the national level In 1990. Don't get me wrong, these girls had a great sea­ son last fall,” reflected the veteran coach. They showed the determination to improve and you have to give them plenty.of credit for that Their goals were to win the PSAC team title and advance to the national meet They certainly accomplished their goal. This year, they want to win states, then upgrade their performance at the national meet In California,” said Watts. Leading the pack of returnees will be Donna Thibert (Windsor, ONT). After missing the '88-89 sea­ son, Thibert bounced back last fall to capture All American status with her 7th place showing at nationals. On her way, she earned individual cham­ pionships at both the PSAC and Eastern Regional race. In track last spring, Thibert continued her excel­ lence with runner up showings in both the 3,000 and 5,000 meter race. Watts obviously has a prize In Thibert ”No colle­ giate woman I have ever coached has shown the competitive desire which she possesses,” Watts commented. ”My Job is to hold a fighter like Donna ,teck most of the time.” * Thibert has her sights set high this fall. 1 can't help but dream of winning a national championship race. I am going to prepare myself to be In a posi­ tion to do so. If the opportunity presents itself,” Thibert commented. Also looking for All American status is returnee Audra Navjokas (Webster, NY). Steadily improving, Navjokas was one of the Lady Scots' most consis­ tent performers a year ago. During the track sea­ son, she ran sub 10-minutes In the 3,000 meter and under 4:40.00 in the 1,500 before a freak Injury to her Achilles tendon cut short her national quest. Watts feels undoubtedly she will crack Ihe All Amer­ ican ranks this fall. Another of the team's top three includes Marianne Eckendorf (Erie, PA). A solid performer for the last two years, Eckendorf could be the key to the 'upfronf strength of the '90 squad. A multiple All-Con­ ference runner, she possesses strong motivation and is expected to make great strides in her times this faH. According to her coach, Eckendorf Is a rare breed. ”She is valuable because she is so depend­ able and Is extra tough on the more rugged, difficult courses,” Watts commented. Besides the above trio, plenty of other performers should share in the spotlight for Coach Watts. Looking to help the cause will be Kim Long (Girard, PA), Beth Sorber (E. Rochester, NY), Marty Marczak (Oil City, PA), Cassie Baker (Chittenango, NY), Danika Gray (Mercer, PA) and Jennifer Such (Cochranton, PA). Long, the team's top freshman in '89, Is hoping to recover from injury which sidelined her for the spring track season. Despite her minimum training last fall. Long finished 45th at the national cross country meet Sorber, a red-shirt freshman, also competed for the Lady Scot basketball team. Although Sorber did not begin her running training until late March, she turned In a strong time of 4:46.00 in the 1,500 meter race in track. A solid summer training pro­ gram should see Sorber break Into the team's top five. Marczak, who was in the top seven as a fresh­ man in '88, did not compete In cross country last fall. According to Watts, she could be the top sur­ prise on the team A solid track season, 2:12.34 in the 800m and 4:40.00 in 1,500, and a renewed spir­ it In her long distance training will see her kick down plenty of competitors this fall. Baker, another returnee, is a two-year letterwinner and has the potential to end up in the top seven once again. All Conference in '88, Baker should be solid for Watts In the fall. Gray, from nearby Mercer, hopes to break the injury and illness jinx that has kept her on the shelf so far during her Edinboro career. If she shakes the ”hard luck” rap. Watts feels she can be a strong contributor. Such, an Incoming freshman, is the Lady Scots runner of the future. Virtually a complete novice in running. Such might need a year of training in the Edinboro tradition before her talent can be dis­ played meaningfully. The team has already set Its goals for the upcom­ ing season and they are almost a carbon copy of last year. Winning states and reglonais, but per­ forming to higher levels at the NCAA Division II nationals appears to be the list of projected accom­ plishments for the Lady Scots this fall. 6- - 1990 Roster MEN Nam* Y*ar Hometown Rich Asmondy.......... ........... Bruce Becker.......... ........... Steve Bookman...... ........... Sean Brady............. Eric Edy..................... Paul Harry................ Brad Kallay.............. Scott Knapp............ Jack Lovett.............. ........... Brian Matthews...... ........... Chris Rauber........... Uriel Rivera............. Paul Sherry.............. ........... Harvey Sipel............. ........... Kevin Sullivan........... ........... Jamie Workman....... ........... Senior........................ .... Sophomore................ .... Freshman.................. .... .... .... .... .... .... Sophomore................ .... Senior........................ .... .... .... Freshman.................. .... Junior......................... .... Sophomore................ .... Freshman.................. .... Cassie Baker............ ........... Julie Brancato........... ........... Mariann Eckendorf... ........... Danika Gray.............. ........... Bonnie Holtz............. Kim Long................... ........... Martha Marczak....... ........... Audra Navjokas......... ........... Beth Sorber.............. ........... Jennifer Such............ ........... Donna Thibert........... Junior......................... .... Sophomore................ .... Junior......................... .... Sophomore................ .... .... Sophomore................ .... Sophomore................ .... Junior......................... .... Freshman.................. .... Freshman.................. .... .... Parma, OH Painesville, OH Meadville, PA Edinboro, PA Rochester Miils, PA Meadviiie, PA Edinboro, PA Victor, NY Edinboro, PA Barry, Waies Pittsburgh, PA Medeliin, Coiombia Punxsutawney, PA Buffalo, NY Jermyn, PA Columbia Cross Rds., 1^ WOMEN Chittenango, NY Erie, PA Erie, PA Lost City, PA Erie, PA Girard, PA Oii City, PA Webster, NY East Rochester, NY Cochranton, PA Windsor, ONT Cross Country All-Americans - (Men) Dave Antognoli -1970,1971, 1972 Kevin Foley-1974,1975,1976 Jeff Foster-1975,1976 Henry Winger -1975,1976 Dalvin Baehler-1975 Mark Muggleton-1976 Brian Jordan -1978,1979 Lance White-1981 Dennis Rice-1981 Greg Beardsley-1981,1982 Steve Repko-1982 Luke Graham -1984,1985,1986 Gennaro Manoochio -1985, 1986,1987 William Maloney -1985 All-Americans - (Women) Coleen Snyder-1985 KerrieYenchak-1985 Mike Platt-1986,1987 Tim Dunthome -1986,1987 Scott Bums-1986 Michael Tonkin -1988 Harvey Sipel-1988 Chris Rauber -1988,1989 ^lchael Renninger-1988,1989 Uriel Rivera-1989 National Champions Teresa Skello-1988 Donna Thibert-1989 Dave Antognoli-1972 Greg Beardsiey-1982 7 - - Three at the Top ‘Potentially, the 1990 Cross Country sea­ enough time to regain composure and son finds the Edinboro roster with more place second to one of his Scott team­ ‘c^ality’ runners at the top of an NCAA divi­ mates. He showed his characteristic com­ sion than in any year that I've coached,’ petitiveness as a sophomore in '88 when he stated veteran coach Doug Watts. led the national field for 2 to 4.5 miles Three runners have a real chance of win­ before his youth prevailed and he ended up ning the coveted position of the number twelfth. Last fall he tried to get away from one runner in the country. Two men, Uriel the National Championship feld at the 4.5 Rivera and Chris Rauber, and one woman, to 5 mile mark but the superior strength of Donna Thibert find themselves poised in the 27 year old winner dropped him bad( to position to win it all. the runner-up post. Rivera has already placed his name in the Rivera, a native of Colombia, is happy to hallowed halls of Edinboro distance running be able to attend a school that allows a bal­ tradition by winning two events in last ance between academics and athletics. spring's National Track Championships. Uti­ ‘I appreciate the opportunity that I have lizing a blazing kick, Rivera captured the 5 here,’ said Rivera recently to Watts, and his and 10,000 meter runs in impressive fosh- appreciation translates into a ‘superior ion. The Colombia import joins David effort” every time he oins. Antognoli, a 2 time national champion and ‘I am much improved from last fall,’ adds the top collegiate finisher in the 1972 Rivera, ‘Edinboro's training system has Olympic Trials, and Greg Beardsley as given me the strength and confidence to cross country runners who have won run up to my potenti^.* national titles. Rivera bettered Antognoli's When asked what it's like to run against long standing school record (29:10) in the someone of Rauber's ability every day, 10K and he placed in the prestigious Penn Rivera replied, ‘I respect Chris (Rauber) so Relays 5,000 as well. much, he is very tough. I would like to just Rauber, a red-shirt in track last spring, be close enough to him at the end of the was the national runner-up in cross country race to cross the line together’ last spring. He has also achieved 2 AllThibert is a study of perseverance. A American certificates in his short career transfer student from Oklahoma State, while winning the PSAC title the last 2 Thibert missed her first season of competi­ years. Doug Watts sees Rauber as much tion for Edinboro healing a crushed foot improved through training in 1990, already sustained in an industrial accident. Last toll, surpassing the pure talent, desire and training resumed in late August and she courage it takes to be number one in the hobbled to a respectable seventh place Allcountry. Doesn't have two such runners vying for American finish in the National Cross Coun­ try Championships and improved to finish the title create a problem within the team second in both the 3 and 5K champi­ structure like th e 'Boro? ‘Not at all,’ says Watts, Ihese two individ­ onships. ‘Donna deserves a lot of credit. Most uals may be widely divergent in their s^es women in her position would have quit a and interest, but they compliment each long time ^o,’ observes coach Watts, ‘But other well in training and in racing for the she is willing to pay the price to be good team's benefit.’ and she isn't afraid of risldng her race with ‘I really don't pay much attention to how an early tost pace.’ Uriel (Rivera) or the other guys on the team Although Watts hints that she may not be are running at practice,’ cautions Rauber, ‘I the most physically talented runner to walk just try to run hard and not neglect my aero­ bic mileage durir^ September, October and through his door, he contends that Thibert may be the bravest that he has ever November. This is the time to get real seri­ ous about being sharp and really competi­ coached. tive.’ It is impossible for all of these three to Chris has already proven to his competi­ reach their goals. They are the main com­ tors that he can do just that. From out of petitors to each other, yet intrinsically, the nowhere as a freshman, Rauber started to level of success that they strive for supports pull away from competition in the PSAC each other and the rest of the squad. Unit­ Championships until he took a wrong turn ed in cause. Rauber, Rivera and Thibert at the four mile mark leaving himself race to meet their destiny.