Cross Country to Begin 2024 Campaigns at Adelphi Invitational
Purple Knights to compete four times prior to the CACC Championships in late October.
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – With an influx of new runners on both sides, the University of Bridgeport's cross country programs will make their season debuts tomorrow on Long Island. The Purple Knights will take part in the Adelphi Invitational for the third straight season.
THE 2024 SCHEDULE
Sept. 6 | Adelphi Panther Invitational (Bethpage, N.Y.)
Sept. 14 | Vassar Ron Stonitsch Invitational (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.)
Sat. 21 | 56th Annual Codfish Bowl (Boston, Mass.)
Oct. 11 | 12th Annual Bruce Kirsch Cup (Hopkinton, N.H.)
Oct. 27 | CACC Championships @ Belmont Plateau (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Nov. 9 | NCAA East Regional @ Rochester, N.Y.
LAST YEAR
The UB women posted a team score at the NCAA East Regional for the first time in school history. The Purple Knights finished 15th with a mark of 465 points. Individually, Lynzie Lawton and Samantha Rodriguez are Bridgeport's top returners from that race.
On the men's side, John Panzera is the Purple Knights' top returner. He placed 62nd at last year's CACC Championships.
THE NEWCOMERS
Bridgeport's rosters will look much different this year than last fall. The Purple Knights welcome five new runners on the men's side and six for the women.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING (Quotes)
Gregg Schmidt – Head Coach, 3rd year:
"Each season I'm here, I'm trying to add more pieces to the program(s). The legendary coach, Rollie Geiger, compared cross country to poker saying 'You have to be holding five good cards all the time'. Sometimes people don't realize that Cross Country is a true team sport, one or two solid runners can't win you a championship. You can have the Ace, King, Queen, or Jack of spades, but if your fifth card is the 2 of hearts, not only do you not have a winning hand, you don't even have a competitive one. We added stronger cards to our hand this year and will keep doing so as the years go on."
Edoardo Vandelli – Freshman:
"I am really happy to be part of this team, and really excited for the beginning of the cross country season. I'll do my best to leave my mark."
Nick Migliarese – Sophomore:
"I feel more fit for this year than I did last year and have much better expectations for the seasons. I'm excited to have a much bigger team this year as well that has the potential to be more competitive in the conference this year. The team overall has a stronger desire to win and to perform at the highest level we can! Overall, I'm ready for our program to make a statement this season."
Julianna Frankenfield – Freshman:
"I am so excited to see how I do in this coming year and the improvements I will make as a part of this team. I know these competitions are going to be challenging but I'm always up for a challenge. It gives me the chance to prove my abilities, not only to myself, but to my coach that he made the right decision to have me be a part of this team."
Lynzie Lawton – Sophomore:
"It's so refreshing being back on campus and seeing all my friends again. I am most excited that we have a growing team this year and so many new faces! It's nice having such an awesome environment to practice in and supportive teammates who are always there for you. I'm excited for the new season and to continue working towards my goals for this year!"
FOLLOW ALONG
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