2016 Cross Country Preview
Written by Andrew Capitelli (SJC-LI Sports Information)
Patchogue, NY| Since establishing both the men's and women's cross country teams in 1998, 19-year head coach Jim Crowley has built the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) cross county programs into conference powerhouses. The women's team, which captured seventh-straight Skyline Conference championship in 2015 and its ninth title in 10 years, has produced 11 individual champions. The men, on the other hand, have collected five conference titles—four in a row from 2010 to 2013—and three individual champions, including sophomore Ryan Haun, who captured the individual crown as a freshman last season.
Ahead of Thursday's season-opening and 2nd annual Friends and Alumni Meet (Broadway Park – Sayville, NY at 6:30 PM) Coach Crowley spoke of his expectations for the 2016 campaign.
What are the realistic expectations of the team in conference competition?
JC: For the women, we expect to be top three in the Conference. Having graduated four of the top five runners in the Skyline last year, we have some rebuilding to do. Sarah Lawrence and USMMA should both give us a tough go. We also expect the men to be in the top three with USMMA and Maritime.
Men's Cross Country Coaches Poll
1. Maritime * (8) - 117
2. St. Joseph's-Long Island (1) - 108
3. U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (3) - 95
4. Mount Saint Mary - 84
5. Yeshiva - 82
6. Purchase - 69
7. Farmingdale State - 63
8. Sage - 52
9. Sarah Lawrence - 41
10. Mount Saint Vincent - 37
11. Old Westbury - 30
12. St. Joseph's-Brooklyn - 14
Women's Cross Country Coaches Poll
1. St. Joseph's-Long Island * (10) - 120
2. Sarah Lawrence (1) - 107
3. Sage (1) - 95
4. Mount Saint Mary - 85
5. Yeshiva - 72
6. Farmingdale State - 66
7. U.S. Merchant Marine Academy - 57
8. Purchase - 56
9t. Maritime - 41
9t. Old Westbury - 41
11. Mount Saint Vincent - 31
12. St. Joseph's-Brooklyn - 13
First-place votes in parentheses
*Defending champion
Which returning players will be expected to lead the team?
JC: The women will be led by two 2015 Skyline All-Conference First-Team returners, Erin McDonell (Jr.) and Kelly Roberts (Sr.). They'll both be competing to become SJC's eighth Conference Champion in the last nine years. The most vital component of the team will be the contributions of returners Taylor Darby (So.), Jessica Pierno (Sr.), Amanda Sprague (Jr.) and Abigail Lehr (So.). They'll need to step up to an all-conference level if the women are to win their seventh-straight championship.
The men's team returns the returning Skyline individual champion in sophomore Ryan Haun. There have only been two repeat men's champions in the history of the Skyline and Haun hopes to be the first since 2011. Senior Nick Diaz will try to become only the third SJC male runner to be a four-time Skyline All-Conference performer. The team will be bolstered by the return of Tim Elgort (Sr.), Brad Danielsen (Jr.) and Mike Mirrione (Sr.).
Which recruits will make the biggest impact?
JC: The women welcome Cassie Costarelli (Sr.), Mary Beth Scott (Sr.) and Jennifer O'Connor (Fr.) to shore up the top-seven. Cassie and Mary Beth have been contributors on the track, team while Jen is a fresh face. The men expect freshman Tim Monahan and transfer James Dachille to be run step-for-step with Haun at the front of the pack, while Nick Deluca (Fr.) and Ray Ricca (Sr.) will be important scorers for the team.
Which dates on the calendar are you looking forward to the most?
JC: The team opens the season on Sept. 1 with the 2nd Annual Friends and Alumni Meet at Broadway Park in Sayville. There will be a competitive mix of Division II teams in Molloy College and NYIT, some Division III schools (Manhattanville and Mt. St. Vincent) and defending NJCAA Champions Suffolk County Community College. The team travels to the Bronx the following weekend to mix it up with primarily Division I schools at the Fordham Fiasco. The rest of the season will be mostly against Division III schools and Skyline Conference foes to prepare for the Skyline Conference Championships hosted by SJC on Oct. 30 at Broadway Park in Sayville.
