The Slippery Rock men’s cross country team is coming off of a sixth place finish at Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championship last season, along with another sixth place finish at the Atlantic Regional meet.
Returning to SRU is sophomore Jeremy Parsons, who had a breakout season with the Rock last season as a freshman. Parsons ran in six meets in 2014, placing in the top 10 in four meets, including a first place finish at the SRU 125 Invitational. Parsons also finished with a career best time of 25:18:10 at the Don Cathcart Invitational, an eight kilometer event. He also earned PSAC Academic Honors in 2014.
The Rock held an Alumni Race this past Saturday on campus for alumni and current athletes from the team to all come together and run a race. The race is a tradition that many former SRU athletes return to take part in.
“The alumni race is always a great way to start off the season,” senior Charlie Frank said. “It’s awesome to come together with former and current Rock runners and race together.”
The men are scheduled to race the University of Anchorage Alaska on Thursday afternoon at Kincaid Park. During its stay, the team will travel to the Portage, the Matanuska Glaciers, Flat Top Mountain, Denali National Park and other destinations. The team plans to sight-see, run, hike and climb. The team will travel back Saturday evening and arrive in Slippery Rock Sunday afternoon.
“I’m very excited to go on the trip with the team and to adventure,” Rock cross country head coach John Papa said.
The Rock will travel to Edinboro University and Lock Haven University this season as well as to their home course at Cooper’s Lake to compete throughout the season. Although October is quite a bit away, the team’s focus is set on the PSAC Championship meet to be held here in Slippery Rock Saturday, Oct. 24.
“I think the men have a solid season ahead of them,” Papa said. “We have many experienced runners on the team and I look forward to seeing the seniors make an impact.”
