Central Michigan University Athletics
Men's Cross Country Begins New Era
8/27/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Cross Country
MOUNT PLEASANT A new era for the Central Michigan University men’s cross country team starts Friday when the Chippewas toe the line for the Jeff Drenth Memorial.
Gone is longtime head coach Craig Fuller, along with four-time All-Mid-American Conference selection Matt Loiselle.
In are head coach Jim Knapp and assistant Matt Kaczor, along with some veteran runners looking to step up.
“Everyone came back in good shape,” Kaczor said. “The guys were able to get good miles in over the summer, we just have to maintain that and stay hungry throughout the season.”
CMU’s first test on Friday will be a 5K loop with Michigan State providing the competition. The women’s race begins at 4 p.m. with the men’s competition slated for around 4:30 p.m. The event is being held at University Park just south of the Fairfield Inn.
Sammy Kiprotich is CMU’s top returner after finishing 13th at last year’s MAC meet and just missing out on All-MAC honors. He’s also expected to be joined at the front of the pack by Jacob Korir who missed most of last season with an injury.
Others figuring to be in the mix are Riak Mabil, Donnie Richmond, Adam Richmond, Wade Buchs, Jeremy Kiley and freshman Matt Lutzke.
“For the Drenth we are going to take a good look at our freshmen and try to establish our 5-6-7 slots,” Kaczor said.
The team has been together since Aug. 17 when they went to Rochester Hills for some training.
CMU was picked to tie for third in the MAC according to the preseason coaches poll. Eastern Michigan was tabbed the favorite.
Gone is longtime head coach Craig Fuller, along with four-time All-Mid-American Conference selection Matt Loiselle.
In are head coach Jim Knapp and assistant Matt Kaczor, along with some veteran runners looking to step up.
“Everyone came back in good shape,” Kaczor said. “The guys were able to get good miles in over the summer, we just have to maintain that and stay hungry throughout the season.”
CMU’s first test on Friday will be a 5K loop with Michigan State providing the competition. The women’s race begins at 4 p.m. with the men’s competition slated for around 4:30 p.m. The event is being held at University Park just south of the Fairfield Inn.
Sammy Kiprotich is CMU’s top returner after finishing 13th at last year’s MAC meet and just missing out on All-MAC honors. He’s also expected to be joined at the front of the pack by Jacob Korir who missed most of last season with an injury.
Others figuring to be in the mix are Riak Mabil, Donnie Richmond, Adam Richmond, Wade Buchs, Jeremy Kiley and freshman Matt Lutzke.
“For the Drenth we are going to take a good look at our freshmen and try to establish our 5-6-7 slots,” Kaczor said.
The team has been together since Aug. 17 when they went to Rochester Hills for some training.
CMU was picked to tie for third in the MAC according to the preseason coaches poll. Eastern Michigan was tabbed the favorite.
MAC Championships Interview: Miciah Smith
Saturday, November 02
MAC Championships Interview: Jenny Swieton
Saturday, November 02
Mark Beckmann Feature
Tuesday, October 15