Central Islip, NY - The Adelphi University Panthers have been selected the 2008 preseason favorite in both men's and women's cross country, according to a preseason poll of the league's coaches. In 2007 the Panthers claimed their second straight ECC title on the women's side and stole a fourth place finish at the NCAA Northeast Regional. The men grabbed the #2 spot, falling short of the NYIT Bears by seven points, while posting a sixth place finish at the Regional. NYIT was tabbed second in the preseason poll with the #3 pick going to C.W. Post for the women and Dowling for the men.
National contender and 2007 ECC Runner of the Year, Ify Anene was named the Women's Preseason Runner of the Year. Anene led the pack in the ECC Championship, finishing the 5k in 19:21. She went on to finish 4th at the NCAA Regional with a time of 23:06.8 to earn her first ever trip to the National Championship Meet. Anene posted a 22:33.5 6K best placing 79th out of 189 runners at the National Championship.
ECC 2007 Rookie of the Year Ryan Pezzulo was selected as the Men's Preseason Runner of the Year. Pezzulo was the second Panther to cross the finish line in the 2007 ECC Championship with a time of 27:23. He cracked the top 30 at the NCAA Regional with a 27th place finish after completing the course in 34.14.7.
2008 Men's Cross Country Preseason Poll
1. Adelphi
2. NYIT
3. Dowling
4. St. Thomas Aquinas
5. C.W. Post
6. Molloy
7. Concordia
8. Bridgeport
9. Mercy
10. Queens
2008 Women's Cross Country Preseason Poll
1. Adelphi
2. NYIT
3. C.W. Post
4. Dowling
5. Bridgeport
6. Molloy
7. St. Thomas Aquinas
8. Concordia
9. Mercy
10. Queens
Men's Preseason Runner of the Year: Ryan Pezzulo, SO, Adelphi
Women's Preseason Runner of the Year: Ify
Anene, SR, Adelphi
