2001 CUNYAC Cross Country Preview

After the Hunter Hawks retained their fourth straight CUNYAC Women's Cross Country title on the strength of their team performance, there is no doubt that they are the favorites to capture this year's crown once more.

Still, this season promises a more competitive race for the ladies on the 3.1-mile course at Van Cortlandt Park. Only one example of such competition is Hana Pechackova, last year's champion from Baruch, who is coming back to conquer the hills, looking not only for her second straight individual title, but also for a CUNY record.

On the men's side, the champion York Cardinals will also have to battle to defend their title from the Hunter Hawks, who will do everything possible to get their lost crown, or the upstart Medgar Evers Cougars who are seeking their first taste of a team victory.

The York Cardinal expectations this year, both for the women and the men, are to run their best and possibly grab the elusive double victory. The men's team, who are the defending champion, will be led by Khari White, (Jamaica, New York) who is expected to be one of the top three finishers. O'Neil Smiley also figures to be one of the leaders.

"We don't know if we'll be as strong as last year, as a team, but individually we are definitively looking to place in the top three," said head coach Tom Pope.

However, even if it was hard to retain the men's title, the women, according to coach Pope, have a good chance to fight for the Cross Country title this year. The women's team will be led by sophomore Shakima Thomas (Beach Channel / Queens, NY) and Sanelisiwe Nkala (Bryant / Jamaica, NY).

"I think the ladies will do well, even if Hunter is the favorite, I just hope for the best for everyone," said Pope.

While everyone is picking Hunter as the clear favorite the Hawks have been going through a recession by their high standards in winning just the women's title a year ago. The defending women's champion will battle to keep their crown and with junior Baiba Spulgerane (Humanities / New York, NY) leading the way despite finishing 4th overall with 22:26.41 in 2000. The Hawks will look to place their top five amongst the first 15 finishers, a recipe for success in previous competitions, and retain their team trophy for the 5th consecutive year. Donna Mahoney, Melissa Shea and Jen Duran round out the talented returnees.

The Hawk men meanwhile will look for redemption after their title of five consecutive years was snatched away by the York Cardinals last year. Senior Jason Van Sluytman (Brooklyn Tech / Ozone Park, NY) will pace the squad along with Junior Pierre and newcomer David Kesting (Bishop Moore / Orlando, FL).

Lehman Lightning head coach Lesleigh Hogg forecasts a great season for his team and the entire conference. With Lehman back in the team picture, expect the women's championship to be a three-team race, as the Lightning has a very experienced team with Maria Castro (Columbus HS / Mexico), Lamarah Allen (Tilden / Brooklyn, NY), Shakima Mabry (Spring Valley, NY), Margaret Joseph (Bronx, NY), and Tyree Cox (Tilden / Brooklyn, NY) leading the way, with freshman Audra Morales (New Dorp / Staten Island, NY) thrown in the talented mix.

"I know that the women's race will be very competitive come October, but I believe Maria will challenge for the title," said Hogg, adding that "with the quality of runners at all the schools I expect this year to probably be the finest CUNY championship ever."

Lehman's men's squad faces more uncertainty than their counter parts as Javier Rodriguez leads a new squad that includes three transfers to the team.

Baruch has no men's team, but this year's women's team is led by the defending champion Hana Pechackova, a junior from the Czech Republic who finished the course last year in 20:48.68. But despite her talents, her teammates will have to pick up the slack for a better Baruch finish. Two newcomers in Fay Cherubin and Alice Tan hope to help in that regard, with the rest of the team remaining the same, but stronger says their coach Bill Eng.

"Hunter has always been the favorite, but our team has improved over the last year, and Hana is back hoping to break the CUNY record."

Pechackova's main threat from a year ago in Alina Alekperova of John Jay will be put on hold as the Bloodhound sophomore has yet to run due to personal conflicts that she has to resolve before rejoining the team. Freshman Maxine Mendez (Lehman HS / Bronx, NY) will look to pick up the slack in her absence.

Rounding out the men's potentials are Eldred Louis of Medgar Evers, Roberto Barnett of New York City Tech and Ryan Wilson of Brooklyn. Freshman Goldlin Philbert will pace the Cougar women.

Bronx and Queensborough Community Colleges will round out the field as non-scoring teams along with Kingsborough, who will be competing in cross-country for the first time ever.

--CUNYAC--