Sept. 1, 2004

PHILADELPHIA - Despite last year's season being hampered by injuries, men's cross country coach, Mike Glavin, is anticipating that this year's team will remain strong and healthy, giving them the opportunity to be top players in the race for the Atlantic 10 Conference championship.

Coach Glavin returns seven top runners from a summer of high mileage and intense training to attempt to break their three-year streak of second place Atlantic 10 finishes. This year's team will be led by senior cross country and track captain, Collin Martin. Martin had an outstanding spring season finishing first in the 5000m and second in the 3000m steeplechase, with a NCAA regional qualifying time of 9:05.55. According to Coach Glavin, Martin's running has steadily improved since his freshman year. As the Hawk's fifth runner at the A-10's two years ago and the fourth Hawk runner last year, Coach Glavin is confident that Martin can again improve his position and continue to provide top times.

The Hawks' top returnee, Andre Laboy, is back after an impressive sophomore year. Laboy's first place finish at the A-10s last year earned him the honors as only the fifth Hawk harrier to win the conference championships. Laboy covered the 8k course at Belmont Plateau in 24:46.7, posting the fastest time ever of the six Atlantic 10 Championships held at the plateau. Laboy also finished 4th at the Mid-Atlantic Regionals and competed with the best in the nation at the NCAA Championships. On the track Laboy earned first team all-Atlantic 10 with his win in the indoor 5000m. He went on to place 2nd in the 3000m at the indoor IC4A Championships where he smashed the school record by 4.5 seconds, running 8:09.07. Laboy looks to defend his Atlantic 10 Cross Country title and repeat his All-East performance from last year.

Fellow junior, Mike DiDio, will also be called upon as a top scorer for the Hawks this year. DiDio started off last year with an impressive first place finish at the Fordham Invitation in early September, but was unfortunately sidelined by a foot injury later in the season that left him unable to compete at the A-10s. DiDio was able to rehab his injured foot and come back for a competitive indoor season, running a leg of the Atlantic 10 championship DMR, as well as qualifying for the IC4A championships in the 1500m running a 3:49.00. Coach Glavin will be looking to DiDio, as a top finisher for the Hawks, who will be counted on to help lead the team at the Atlantic 10 Championships.

Another top returnee, junior RIch Anderson, has been battling injury a good portion of his career as a Hawk harrier. After strong indoor and outdoor track seasons and a dedicated summer of training, Glavin expects Anderson again to be consistently running in the top three. Junior Joe Mohn also spent time in the Hawks top three last fall. Despite battling health problems, Mohn was able to provide top times for the Hawks and this season he looks to reclaim the All-Conference honors he earned as a freshman.

Fellow junior, Dave Masse, was also a strong contributor to the Hawks' successes last season. He was a consistent top performer and could also be a contender for All-Conference honors. Rounding out the top returnees is sophomore Teddy Meyers. Meyers was a pleasant surprise for Coach Glavin last year. In his rookie season, he finished second for the Hawks and 15th overall at the Atlantic 10 Championships. Coach Glavin also welcomes newcomers freshmen Will Rowland and Rich Ryan. These two rookies will definitely be looking to make their mark on the team.

This season's schedule is again filled with competitive meets including the famed Paul Short Invitational at Lehigh University in September, the Pre-National meet in Terra Haute, Indiana in mid-October, the Atlantic 10 Championships held in Pittsburgh October 30th, and the NCAA Regional Meet and Championships in late November. The Hawks have a strong team this year with a great deal of depth and experience. According to Coach Glavin, if everyone can remain healthy, expect St. Joe's to be a top player at the Conference Championships.