Edinhoro University of Pennsylvania Senior Ann Gillespie is the top returner for the women's team Senior Carl Leonard, a three-time All-American, leads the Boro men 1995 Cross Country Guide Excellence is a Watts Tradition Excellence in coaching and a winning tradition are terms that have become synonymous with Edinboro University Cross Coimtry Coach Doug Watts. Since his arrival at Edinboro in 1969, the Running Scots have experienced nothing but success, producing numerous All-Americans and team championships. Watts' coaching credentials speak for themselves, showing 22 consecutive undefeated seasons and a string of 88 consecutive dual meet victories. Watts’ squads have also produced six national championships, including back-to-back NAIA titles in 1975 and 1976 and consecutive NCAA n titles from 1986 through 1988. Last season, the Scot men finished sixth in at the Division 11 national championships in Kearney, Nebraska, while the women's squad finished 15th. His teams can also boast of five NCAA 11 runner-up trophies, plus finishes of third, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth. The only season the Scots have not been in the nation's top 20 was Watts' first at Edinboro. His overall dual match record now stands at a sparkling 119-8 in 26 seasons at the Edinboro helm. In addition, 16 of his Edinboro runners have been U.S. Olympic trial qualifiers. The much heralded coach, who has been named national Coach of the Year five times, has published numerous distance running articles for national publications. Twice an Olympic coach nominee. Watts annually conducts a summer pre-season endurance training camp for young men and women. A graduate of Akron University, Watts began his coaching career at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. He introduced a running program that yielded a two-year record of 19-0 and a district championship. Watts currently resides in Edinboro with his wife, Margaret, and has two adult children, Wendy and Christopher. Boro Cross Country *95... Unpredictable Cross Country ^ Philosophy "Generally, we attract the middle distance and distance athlete who is seeking a special environment for running," > Head Coach Doug Watts A student-athlete may consider Edinboro because of the following reasons: 1. A small school setting, academically oriented, that generally allows for a fuller personal development in the classroom, athletic and social activities; yet offers a large, diversified choice of educational majors and specialties. 2. A TEAM concept in training competition. 3. A distance-based training program integrating selected road races as a training supplement. 4. Division I schedule of intercollegiate competition. 5. A program that allows personal direction and individualism, a proper balance between academics and athletics., and fun. 6. A tradition of excellence and proven success in running within an environment supportive and respectful of distance runners. ^ Cross Country ^ Philosophy Prior to each season, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Cross Country Coach Doug Watts has been known to accurately assess his squad's potential. Whether the team was full of veterans who contained a great deal of potential to be successful on the national level, or the squad was less experienced and in the process of rebuilding. Watts would never keep any secrets. So what can we expect from the men and women of EUP this year coach? "I really don't know," said Watts. "There are too many individual ingredients that distinguish a great team from a simply adequate team, and at Edinboro they have been left dangling this summer. We'll have to just train hard the next couple of months to see how each individual responds in meet competition." HI ♦ The Men ♦ Ruling out any thought of a adding a seventh men’s national championship banner to the wall in EUP’s McComb Fieldhouse, Watts shll hopes to match last year's excellent results. "I was really proud of last season's effort by our men. They were long on courage, but short on depth." Yet despite the lack of depth. Watts' men easily captured the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and NCAA Eastern Regional titles in 1994. And the Boro's head mentor knows that only illness prevented the Scots from earning a second or third place at the national championship meet, where they finished a somewhat disappointing sixth. Gone from last year's team is four-time cross country All-American Martin Lyons. The 1991 Division II individual national champion leaves a void in the Boro roster which cannot be easily filled. Pete Fixler, a multiple All-American, transferred to Coastal Carolina University, and will also be missed. Still Edinboro has what Watts calls the best regular college-aged runner in Division II in Carl Leonard. A native of Wales, Great Britain, the senior star has been a phenomenally steady performer at the upper-levels of competition the past three seasons for the Boro. Watts feels the ever-improving Leonard has a chance to win any race in which he will compete this season. A five-time All-American already through cross country and track, Leonard Senior Tom McCrea will play a big has a chance to become the first regularpgn in the Boro's success in '95 aged student-athlete to earn All-American status in each of his four college years. That is a tremendous record given the quantity and quality of runner that has developed in the Edinboro program over Watts' 27 years. Leonard is a school-record holder in the l^OOm, but Watts sees the Welchman's talent blossoming after his graduation. "That was the promise when he came over - that he would be developed, not used," said Watts. Leonard looks forward to his last year for the Boro. "I'd like to win a National Championship before I leave, " said Leonard. "But more importantly, I just want to compete at my best and help the team win." Another senior, Todd Rose will have to be at his best if the team expects to repeat its success of a season ago. A multiple national qualifier and PSAC track champion. Rose seeks to finally gamer the All-American award that has eluded him so far in his career. Running well early last fall. Rose suffered severe dehydration in a race and never fully recovered during the season. "If courage is a measurement of a man," said Watts, "then the way that Todd Rose races, he is as big of a man that there is. Rose runs with abandon and is not afraid to push himself to his limits." Behind Leonard and Rose the Scots have some experience, yet the core of the squad will need to step up a notch in their performances to continue the Edinboro distance running tradition. Senior Tom McCrea, junior Pete Boyd and sophomore Travis Kuhl all earned honors on the conference and/or regional levels last fall. However, in order to maintain the Boro's strong national reputation, the threesome knows they must set their sites on achieving All-American status in 1995. "The things you can count on from this trio is their work ethic and desire to help the team win," said Watts. Watts also notes that several other runners will have the opportunity to make significant contributions to the Boro's '95 team. Included in that group is redshirt freshman Justin Renwick who may surprise a lot of people this year, and junior Bob Corey, returning to the team after a one- year absence. Other notables include Scott Kovacevic, who, according to Watts, is the only true freshman having a chance to break into the Scots' top seven, and junior Steve Owens also provides the Boro with some depth. In summary, the veteran coach says, "Our depth may not be as good as in previous years, but I see no drop off in our level of effort or attitude in being the best we can be." All-East Region performer Pete Boyd would like to up his status to All-American T ♦ The Women ♦ : The Fighting Scot women are also considered to be unpredictable at this stage of the season. Like the men, the women claimed PSAC and Eastern Regional crowns in '94, but came up short of their goal of finishing in the top 10 at the Division II National Championship site. Last season's team was full of leaders with AllAmericans Deb Springer and Roberta Raszkowski, and other top performers Linda Furyesz and Holly Mcllvanie. However, last year's team was dominated by seniors. Ann Gillespie returns as the only veteran with real national experience with the task of leading this young team. Gillespie, a multiple performer at the National Championships in both cross country and track, brings excellent cardiovascular fitness and a tremendous competitive drive to the starting line. "Actually, she tries so hard sometimes that it hurts her performance," said Watts. "But, she is a Captain Ann Gillespie leads winner and possesses as much heart and guts as the Boro women in 1995 anyone I've ever coached." Other experienced runners who should contribute include junior Meranda Wall, sophomore Kathy Shufesky and senior Dawn Folliard. A number of newcomers will also make an immediate impact in the Boro starting line-up. Top recruit Amy Perry was a Pennsylvania all-state selection last year, and according to Watts, has the make-up to develop into a top runner for his program. Freshman Alexandria Ross has experience with a quality high school program and could adapt quickly to college running. The surprise of this season's squad may be freshman Sandra Sweet. Sweet enters her first season of collegiate running with no experience in organized competition. Still, Watts says he thinks she will score well, especially on tough courses or in less than ideal conditions. "At the moment, its a stretch to forecast as much success as we're accustomed to," said coach Watts. "But we'll work hard to Freshmen Amy Perry and Sandra Sweet be as good as we can, and see what happens in the end provide Edinboro with a bright future Edinboro University Cross Country Profiles Pete Boyd - Hermitage, PAISharon Junior - Elementary Education Should see the 1995 season as a "blossoming"...hard and dedicated trainer...thrives in his dedication to achieve Edinboro standards of excellence...All-East Region Team in '94, placing 14th overall with a time of 32:14.5...possesses good music skills. Ann Gillespie - Massillon, OH/Massillon Washington Senior - Health and Physical Education Three years of national meet experience in cross country...National 10,000m track qualifier (37:13 personal best)...respected competitor with willingness to push herself to limits...runner who will take risks to be the best she can be...'95 team captain...Edinboro University scholar-athlete. Travis Kuhl - Croghan, NY/Beaver River Central Sophomore - Health and Physical Education Young developer in Edinboro's training scheme...should push for one of top three sports on roster...has garnered multiple PSAC award honors...placed 10th at PSAC’s (26:18), and 24th at Regionals (32:52)...high school coach was former Edinboro harrier Walt McLaughlin...Academic All-American in '94. Carl Leonard - Morriston, Wales/Penlan Comprehensive Senior - Health and Physical Education Generally considered the best "college-aged" middle and long distance runner in NCAA-II...personal records of 1:51 (800m), 3:45 (1,500m) and 14:07 (5,000m) in track...won PSAC Cross Country Meet in '92 and '94, and East Regional in '94... '95 PSAC Track Athlete of the Year...EUP scholar-athlete. Tom McCrea - Lockport, NY/Lockport Senior - Secondary Education/English Tough, aggressive and determined...good leg speed to compete well...finished second in the 1,500m at PSAC's (3:54)...placed 16th at '94 PSAC Cross Country Meet (26:33), and 30th at Regionals (33:00)...termed by coach Watts as "an athlete I can call upon to beat some people in the last mile." Edinboro University Cross Country Profiles Amy Perry - North East, PAISeneca Freshman - Social Work Coach Watts' top freshman recruit...Earned all-state honors her senior year of high school in both cross country and track...All-county performer in last three seasons of cross country...possesses a great deal of talent and will run up front in any meet...lettered in basketball as well. Justin Renwick - Blairsville, PAJBlairsville Redshirt Freshman - Undecided Major Begins his first season of cross country for the Scots this fall...coach Watts sees him as a quality runner in the future...needs collegiate experience and a hard training discipline...four-year high school letterman in cross country and track...could become an All-American according to Watts. Todd Rose - Waterford, PA/Union City Senior - Secondary Education/General Science Two-time national qualifier in cross coimtry...multiple PSAC 5,000 and 10,000m champion...as "tough and gutty" as any Edinboro runner ever...suffered severe bodily problems following dehydration in '94 Fordham Meet, resulting in disappointing late season performances...EUP scholar-athlete. Sandra Sweet - Erie, PA/Harhorcreek Freshman - Nutrition Joins the Scots with no high school running experience...has nm one year on her own, but has little organized competitive background...will improve a great deal over the course of a year...seems to handle longer distances very well...definitely Watts' surprise among the Boro women. Meranda Wall - Grove City, PA/Lakeview Junior - Speech and Hearing Disorders Begins her second year of experience in cross country...will see marked improvement from the '94 season...described by coach Watts as "a basic 800m type athlete who is training hard to improve the cardiovascular requirements of cross coimtry"...personal best of 2:21 in the 800m. ^ 1995 Men's Roster Year ^ Edinboro University Cross Country Information Hometown/High School Pete Boyd.......................Jr......... Bob Corey................ ......Jr........ Christopher Furry.........Fr......... Scott Kovacevic....... .....Fr....... .................................Solon, OH/Eastlake North Brian Knizner.......... .....So........ ...................... Marianna, PA/Bethlehem Center Travis Kuhl............. .....So........ .................. Croghan, NY/Beaver River Central Carl Leonard........... .....Sr........ ......Morriston, Swansea, Wales/Penlan Comp. Tom McCrea............ .....Sr........ Steve Owens..................Jr........ Justin Renwick........ .....Fr....... Todd Rose............... .....Sr........ 1995 Women's Roster Name Year Jeannette Bellon..... 1 Hometown/High School ................ New Brighton, PA/New Brighton Noelle Dancy......... .......So........... Dawn Folliard....... Ann Gillespie........ ....:...Sr............ ..........Massillon, OH/Massillon Washington Amy Perry............. .......Fr........... Doria Piper............. .......Fr............ Alexandria Ross..... .......Fr........... ....................... Amherst, OH/Amherst Steele Jeannette Sabol....... .......So........... Holly Schultz......... .......So............ Kathy Shufesky...... .......So............ Sandra Sweet.......... .......Fr........... Meranda Wall........ ........Jr............ General Information Location............................................... Founded............................................... .............................................. 1857 ' Enrollment............................................ ............................................. 7,484 President............................................. Nickname............................................ Colors................................................... Affiliation............................................ Conference........................................... ......Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Region.................................................. .............................................. East Athletic Director.................................. Athletic Department Phone................. ..............................(814) 732-2776 Men's Team Information 1994 Conference Meet Finish............... 1994 Eastern Regional Meet Finish...... .................................................1st ................................................6th 1994 NCAA Divison 11 Meet Finish..... Letterwinners Returning/Lost............ .............................................. 5/3 Women's Team Information 1994 Conference Meet Finish............... .................................................1st 1994 Eastern Regional Meet Finish...... .................................................1st .............................................. 15th 1994 NCAA Divison 11 Meet Finish..... Letterwinners Returning/Lost............ ................................................ 3/5 Coaching Information Head Coach......................................... ......................... Akron University Alma Mater.......................................... Dual Meet Record................................ National Championships..................... ................................................... 6 .........................................1975,76 2 NAIA.............................................. .............................. 1986,87,88,90 4 NCAA Division II.......................... Runners-up......................................... ................................................... 5 5 NCAA Division II......................... ........................ 1981,84,85,89,93 Cross Country Office Location............ Telephone Number............................. ............................... (814) 732-2472 Sports Information Office Phone........................................ ................................(814) 732-2811 Office FAX........................................... ................................(814) 732-2596 Coordinator of Sports Information..... Home Phone....................................... .............................. (814) 734-9152 Assistant Coordinator of Sports Information..... Home Phone....................................... .............................. (814) 734-3834 Guide Information Editors................................................. ..... Will Adair and Shawn Aheam Photo Credits...................................... 1995 Edinboro University Cross Country Schedule Date Sept. 9 Sept. 23 Event at Buffalo State College Daniel Walker Memorial Invitational Site Buffalo,NY at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Invitational North Dartmouth, MA Sept. 29 EDINBORO UNIVERSITY RELAYS HOME Oct. 6 at University of Notre Dame Invitational South Bend, IN Oct. 14 NORTHWEST PA CHAMPIONSHIPS HOME Oct. 28 at Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championship Kutztown, PA Nov. 4 at NCAA Division II East Regional Albany, NY Nov. 18 at NCAA Division II National Championship Spartansburg, SC (From L to R): Tom McCrea, Carl Leonard and Travis Kuhl are warming up for 1995