DePaul University Athletics
Cross Country Looks for Repeat Success at Notre Dame
9/30/2009 12:00:00 AM | CROSS COUNTRY
The Blue Demons are set to race against some hefty competition, as 12 teams on both the men's and women's side enter the invitational ranked by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, including three No. 1 squads. On the women's side, Washington and Calvin College top the polls in Divisions I and III, respectively, while North Central College earned the No. 1 spot on the men's Division III rankings.
The 87 squads in attendance will race in three separately scored divisions. DePaul stars in the Gold Division, with Junior Varsity and Blue Division races to follow. All divisions feature a women's 5K race and an 8K men's trek.
Reigning BIG EAST Conference Athlete of the Week Matthew Graham won his third race of the season two weeks ago, when he topped the leader board at the National Catholic Championships. The sophomore crossed the finish line 5.2 seconds ahead of Notre Dame's Jake Walker. During the first two weekends of competition, Graham won the DePaul Opener and the Bradley Open.
Jakub Kolacz has yet place outside the top-10 during the 2009 season. His most recent ninth place performance at the National Catholic Championships helped secure a team finish of fourth. Other regular point scorers for DePaul include Greg Udzielak, Luke Rygh, Max Clink, and Brian Begalke. Notre Dame2
Mary Cate Quiett continues to be a leader on the women's team, having been either the first or second DePaul student-athlete to cross the finish line in all but three races during her entire collegiate career. Last time out, she lifted the Blue Demons to a third place finish, after placing 15th out of 260 other runners.
Sophomore Toni Salvatore is proving her leadership role on the team, having already lowered her personal records in both the 4K and 5K from her freshman campaign, while Stephanie Hughes, Claire O'Brien and Kelly Pickering have been a main stay in the DePaul top-five.
For results and recaps, visit www.depaulbluedemons.com.