The Worcester State cross country outlook is a bright one for the fall of 2007. A combination of talent, experience, and much improvement over this past year coupled with a number of new faces make for exciting anticipation this fall and possibly one of the best seasons on record for the Lancers.  The men will be led by junior Rob Lind who was fifth at the MASCAC Championships last fall. He will be joined by the conference “Rookie of the Year”, Adam Malek, who was 14^th overall at the meet as a freshman. Also making a major impact this season will be Forest Wilber who came to Worcester State second semester last year. He joins the Lancers after taking several years away from college along with a stint in the army. Wilber, who was impressive in his return, has twice been among the top five in the conference in his earlier efforts. Junior Chris Mancuso, 800 champion indoors and second at the outdoor championships, along with junior Andrew Rossi, a scorer in the 1500m, 800m, and 1600m relay outdoors, should round out the top five as the veterans of the team.  However, Andrew O’Brien, returning after a semester off, should also be among the top group of harriers. The past year of experience and improvement should have also benefited junior Derrick Willand, and sophomores Joe Bourdelais, Matt Toloczko, and Norman Everett who will bring second tier depth to the squad.  With the talent and depth that this year brings, much is expected. With a strong possibility of a minimum of three runners among the top ten in the conference and a strong supporting cast, the hard work and dedication to the task from this group will provide the anticipated result…. one of the best seasons ever produced by a Worcester State men’s cross country team.

Under first hear head coach Mathew LeMaire, the women will be led by All MASCAC cross country performer Lindsay Shields, who has gained that distinction each year since her arrival at Worcester State. Now in her senior year, she hopes to again be among the overall leaders. Joining her at the front of the pack will be sophomore Kara Antrim who was the outdoor 800m champion this past spring and indoor 500m champion. Her range is impressive though, as she also finished 3^rd in the 5000m outdoors at the championships. Several times the top runner for the Lancers last fall, Antrim and Shields gives the team a solid one-two punch. Junior Jilian Parzych, who was literally pulled off the treadmill last fall and encouraged to join the team, improved immensely during the year. Parzych was scored in both the 1500m and 800m outdoors and will make a large impact this season. Sophomore Adrienne Fisher, who excelled in the 5000m and 10000m races to score at MASCACs this past spring will also vie for a top spot on the team. Other veterans include Megan Tuite and Danielle St. Amand who should also contribute. Many surprises are in store for this largely new group.  With the guidance and experience of the veterans and many fresh faces, much will be accomplished this fall.  The women should finish as one of the top teams in the conference.