Cross country improves with strong outing

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – It was a day of improvements all around for Pitt’s cross-country teams as… TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – It was a day of improvements all around for Pitt’s cross-country teams as they competed in the Pre-NCAA Cross-Country Championships at Indiana State University last weekend.

The women’s team turned in a strong performance, which earned them 12th place out of the 29 competing teams in their division.

Leading the way for the Panthers was sophomore Maureen McCandless, who turned some heads as she dashed to a fifth place finish in 21 minutes, 24.5 seconds. McCandless’ performance earned her one of the individual race honors that were handed out in each race.

“It was a great race for Maureen and I think she now realizes that her athletic abilities have lifted her into a national caliber athlete, which will be a big confidence booster for her,” coach Waddie Freeman said of McCandless’ race. “I do believe, however, that she can go even faster now that we see where she’s at.”

Finishing second for the Panthers, and 58th overall, was Rachel Rothe, who completed the six-kilometer course in 23:06.

“Rachel has come a long way in the last two years, and has become a very consistent number two or three runner for the team,” Freeman said.

Following close on the heels of Rothe were the freshman duo of Kelly O’Connell and Nicola Angstadt. O’Connell finished in a time of 23:21, which earned her a 74th place finish, and Angstadt dashed to a 98th place finish in a time of 23:39.

“This was probably the biggest race these two have ever been in,” Freeman said. “Both did very well and having two freshmen in the top five will help the team in the long term.”

Junior Dawn Hilgert rounded out the top five for the Panthers. Despite some hip pain, Hilgert finished in 136th place in a time of 24:11.

“Our women’s team was very pleased with their performances overall and are very confident right now,” Freeman said. “I think they will make a very strong showing at the Big East Championships next week.”

In the men’s race, the Panthers ran well in the highly competitive field and placed 22nd out of the 24 teams in their division. Leading the Panthers was junior Dan Hull, who placed 49th with a time of 26:12.

“Dan bounced back very nicely after a slightly disappointing race at Notre Dame,” Freeman said. “After this race we will have to re-evaluate some of Dan’s personal goals because he’s there now.”

Completing the eight-kilometer course only 30 seconds behind Hull was Nick Westerman with a time of 26:42, which earned him a 85th place finish.

“Nick really ran a nice race and stepped up for us today,” Freeman said.

Finishing on Westerman’s heels came sophomore Jeryl Wilborn, who finished 92nd overall and third for the Panthers in a time of 26:48.

“Our top three guys all ran good races and improved their times significantly from Notre Dame,” Freeman said.

In fourth position for the Panthers came junior Mike Diano, who finished the course in 27:24, which was good enough for 120th place overall. Rounding out the top five for Pitt was sophomore Andy Zang, who clocked in with a time of 27:42, to earn him 137th place.

“As a team we’re starting to get where we need to be and we’re seeing a lot of improvement in our times,” Freeman said. “I think our team overall is very confident and that should provide for a good showing at the Big East meet next week.”

The Panthers will return to action Nov. 1 when they travel to Boston for the Big East Cross-Country Championships.