2009 West Virginia University Cross Country Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS/CREDITS 2...........Quick Facts/Schedule

3

WVU Cross Country

45 Record Book 46.........Career Records 47.........All-Americans

4...........BIG EAST Conference 6...........Strength and Conditioning 8...........Community Service

49 West Virginia University

10.........Student-Athlete Services

50.........West Virginia University

15 Coaching Staff

54.........President James P. Clements 55.........Director of Athletics Ed Pastilong

16.........Coach Sean Cleary

56.........Athletics Year In Review

18.........Assistant Coach Jenn Davis

58 ........Mountaineer Excellence

19.........Support Staff

59.........Media Information

21 2009 Preview 22.........Season Outlook 24.........Marie-Louise Asselin 26.........Keri Bland 28.........Clara Grandt 30.........Karly Hamric 32.........Katie Burda/Kerry Davis 33.........Mandy McBean/Erica Arthurs 34.........Kaylyn Christopher/Jamie Cokeley

Kate Harrison

36.........Stephanie Caruso/Jordan Hamric 37.........Ahna Lewis/Lindsay Wyatt/

Sarah-Anne Brault

38.........Aubrey Moskal/Lauren Moskal/

Hallie Portner/Rachel Buser

39.........Brenna Hagerty/Chelsea Jarvis/

Sarah Martinelli/Allison Pettit/

Sarah Ritchie

40.........Rosters

41 2008 Review 42.........Season Recap 43.........Season Results 44.........Meet-by-Meet Breakdown

Managing Editor: Joe Swan Editor: Tim Goodenow Writer: Kelly Tuckwiller Page Layout: Tim Goodenow Layout Design: Grant Dovey, Tim Goodenow Cover Design: Blaine Turner Advertising, Tim Goodenow

Contributors: Lisa Ammons, Phil Caskey, Tiffany Doolittle, Grant Dovey, Ira Green, Michael Fragale, Cheryl Maust, Shannon McNamara, Bryan Messerly, Mike Montoro, Amy Prunty, Steve Stone.

Photographers: All-Pro Photography by Dale Sparks, Bob Beverly, John Bright, Tad Davis, M.G. Ellis, Pete Emerson, Dan Friend, Jeff Geissler, David Green, Mike Hardy, Julia Lucas, Jim Montgomery, Dan Nagy, Brian Persinger, Chuck Scheer, Steve Smith, Martin Valent, WVU Athletic Archives, WVU Photographic Services, David Zicherman.

Printer: Champion Industries/Chapman Printing Š 2009 West Virginia Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

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35.........Maria Dalzot/Jessica O’Connell

Credits

The indicia depicted are registered trademarks of West Virginia University. West Virginia University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

QUICK FACTS AND SCHEDULE

University Information Location: ............................................................ Morgantown, W.Va. Nickname: .................................................................. Mountaineers Founded: .................................................................................. 1867 Enrollment: ............................................................................ 28,839 Colors: ............................ Old Gold (PMS 124) and Blue (PMS 295) Conference: ......................................................................BIG EAST President: .....................................................Dr. James P. Clements Director of Athletics: ..................................................... Ed Pastilong

NCAA Faculty Representative:......................... John W. Fisher II

Cross Country Information Head Coach:................................................................. Sean Cleary Career at WVU:...... Third season as head coach/18th with program Assistant Coach:.....................................Jenn Davis (Third Season) Phone:.......................................................................(304) 293-9876 Fax:...........................................................................(304) 293-2825 Letterwinners Returning/Lost:.................................................... 14/1 All-BIG EAST:................ Marie-Louise Asselin, Individual Champion

Keri Bland

Clara Grandt

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All-Mid-Atlantic Region:.................................... Marie-Louise Asselin

Date

Event

Sept. 5

UMES

Sept. 16

Midwest Open

Oct. 2

Paul Short

Oct. 16

Penn State National Invitational

Oct. 31

BIG EAST Championship

Nov. 14

NCAA Regionals, UMES

Princess Anne, Md.

Nov. 21

ECAC

New York City, N.Y.

Sports Information

Nov. 23

NCAA Championships

Assistant Athletic Director/Communications:............Michael Fragale

All times Eastern and subject to change

Keri Bland

Clara Grandt

Ahna Lewis

Kate Harrison

Kayla Christopher

All-Americans:.................................................. Marie-Louise Asselin

Keri Bland

Director of New Media:..................................................John Antonik Sports Information Director: .................................... Bryan Messerly Sports Publications Director: ............................................ Joe Swan Associate Sports Information Director: .......................... Phil Caskey Assistant Sports Publications Director: .................... Tim Goodenow Cross Country SID: ..................................................Kelly Tuckwiller Tuckwiller’s Email Address: ............. Kelly.Tuckwiller@mail.wvu.edu Phone Number: ........................................................(304) 293-2821 Fax Number: . ...........................................................(304) 293-4105 Mailing Address: ...............................Sports Communications Office

West Virginia University

P.O. Box 0877

Morgantown, WV 26507-0877

Athletic Web site: . ............................................MSNsportsNET.com Conference Web site: ......................................... www.BIGEAST.org

2009 Schedule Location Princess Anne, Md. Kenosha, Wis. Bethlehem, Pa. University Park, Pa. Kenosha, Wis.

Terre Haute, Ind.

BIG EAST CONFERENCE

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the nation’s premier conference

BIG EAST CONFERENCE

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With 30 years under its belt, the BIG EAST Conference continues on a path of success in and out of the athletic arena.

The goals have always been the same. The league wants and expects to compete at the highest level and does so with integrity and sportsmanship. The commendable performances of the student-athletes at BIG EAST schools are the indicators of the league’s proud tradition of success.

The BIG EAST has gone through membership changes since its birth, but the 2009-10 academic year will mark the conference’s fifth straight with the same 16-member group, the nation’s largest Division I-A conference.

In 2008-09, BIG EAST student-athletes again succeeded on the national stage. The Connecticut women’s basketball team won its sixth national championship by defeating conference foe Louisville in an all-BIG EAST NCAA title game. The Notre Dame women’s soccer team reached the NCAA championship game and the Syracuse field hockey squad advanced to the NCAA Final Four. Three BIG EAST women’s cross country teams finished in the top 10 at the NCAA Championships. West Virginia was fourth, Villanova sixth and Georgetown finished in ninth.

Individually in women’s sports, Providence’s Dannette Doetzel won the 10,000 meters at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Connecticut’s Maya Moore was the conference’s sixth winner of the Wade Trophy as the top player in women’s basketball. Notre Dame’s Kerri Hanks won the Hermann Trophy, the top award in women’s soccer.

On the men’s side, Connecticut and Villanova advanced to the Final Four in basketball. The 2008-09 campaign was arguably the best men’s basketball season in the history of the BIG EAST with the league setting NCAA standards with three No. 1 tournament seeds, four teams in the round of the Elite Eight and five in the Sweet 16.

The St. John’s men’s soccer team reached the NCAA College Cup before losing in the national semifinals.

BIG EAST football has maintained its high profile and its reputation as a balanced group. Seven of the league’s eight squads were nationally ranked or received votes in the national polls in 2008. Cincinnati was the league champion. The BIG EAST, a charter member of the Bowl Championship Series, has won three of its last four BCS bowl games. West Virginia, Louisville and Connecticut also have won or shared league crowns over the past four seasons.

The BIG EAST has continued to produce student-athletes who were at the forefront of athletic and academic achievement. In 2008-09, 19 BIG EAST players were chosen to their respective ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Teams, including eight first-team selections. Nearly 400 student-athletes have earned academic all-America honors.

The BIG EAST became the nation’s largest Division I-A conference in 2005-06 when five new members began competing. The new schools were: University of Cincinnati, DePaul University, University of Louisville, Marquette University and the University of South Florida.

Since opening its doors in 1979, the league has won 26 national championships in six different sports and 126 student-athletes have won individual national titles.

Proactive movement has been a signature strategy for the conference that was born in 1979. The BIG EAST continually turns challenges into opportunities to become stronger.

In 2009-10, the BIG EAST will add men’s lacrosse to its growing list of sports, which will increase its total to 24 sport championships. The first women’s golf championship was held in the spring of 2003. Women’s lacrosse and rowing were added in 2001.

The BIG EAST became a reality on May 31, 1979, following a meeting of athletic directors from Providence College, St. John’s, Georgetown and Syracuse universities. Seton Hall, Connecticut and Boston College completed the original seven school alliance.

While the membership has both increased and changed, the focus of the BIG EAST has not wavered. The conference reflects a tradition of broad based programs, led by administrators and coaches who place a constant emphasis on academic integrity. Its student athletes own significantly high graduation rates and their record of scholastic achievement notably show a balance between intercollegiate athletics and academics.

Any successful organization has been fortunate to have outstanding leadership.

Michael Tranghese, the league’s first full-time employee, and for 11 years the associate to Dave Gavitt, became Commissioner in 1990. In his first year, he administered the formation of The BIG EAST Football Conference.

For 2009-10, the BIG EAST will undergo one significant change. Tranghese stepped down from his position on June 30, 2009. John Marinatto, who has served as senior associate commissioner, has moved into the Commissioner’s chair.

The league has long been considered a leader in innovative concepts in promotion and publicity, particularly regarding television. Those efforts have resulted in unparalleled visibility for BIG EAST student athletes. The conference has enjoyed long-standing relationships with CBS, ESPN, Inc. and ABC.

BIG EAST men’s basketball games are regular sellouts at campus and major public arenas, including the annual men’s BIG EAST Championship in Madison Square Garden. The women’s basketball championship has led all conferences in attendance for the past six years. Attendance figures also are significant in soccer and baseball.

More than 550 BIG EAST student-athletes have earned all America recognition and dozens have won individual NCAA national championships. The BIG EAST has been well represented in U.S. or foreign national and Olympic teams. Several athletes earned gold medals in each of the last six summer Olympiads.

The BIG EAST has its headquarters in Providence where the conference administers to more than 5,500 athletes.

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

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Physically and Mentally Tough

Strength And Conditioning Mission Statement

To provide athletes with the knowledge, character, extrinsic

motivation, discipline and training to reach their potential both personally and athletically.

Student-athletes are offered the opportunity to train in some of

the nation’s best facilities and with one of the nation’s best staffs.

Physical development and dominance have been and continue to

be traits that are equated with WVU.

The athlete’s self confidence and unwavering dedication have

driven him/her into the nation’s spotlight. This is made possible through the give-and-take relationships between the athletes and staff.

The WVU strength and conditioning staff is committed to enabling

athletes to achieve their dreams.

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

Athletic excellence and strength and conditioning go hand-in-hand at West Virginia University. WVU’s strength and conditioning staff ensures all studentathletes are on year-long programs designed to continue improving the fitness capabilities needed in their sports

“Our strength and conditioning staff is tremendous,” says head coach Sean Cleary, “With cross country, special attention needs to be paid to certain strengths and weakness that a distance runner needs, and I have full faith and confidence in the staff.”

To keep athletes in peak physical condition, West Virginia offers a variety of training areas and an array of strength programs designed to increase performance. All student-athletes will also have their own program individually calculated and updated throughout the year.

“It is that inaccurate to think that all distance runners do is run,” adds Cleary, whose 2008 team finished fourth in the country at nationals. “Our kids spend a great deal of time on specific dynamics like speed drills and strength and conditioning exercises. When our team gets on the course, not only do I want them the fittest in the race, but also the strongest.”

Equipped with excellent amenities and staffed by some of the finest strength coaches in the nation, athletes who come to West Virginia know that they are in good hands when it comes to their athletic capacity.

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community service

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Active in the community

“Our student-athletes take great pride in community service activities both locally and throughout the state. Taking the time to visit a local hospital or nursing home can serve as a healthy distraction from what’s going on medically. This state is full of wonderful people and our coaches and student-athletes are always willing to lend a hand.”

- Ed Pastilong, Director of Athletics

community service

Winning and working hard are important to the West Virginia University cross country team. But becoming successful and positive role models on and off the course is just as significant to them. Each year, the Mountaineers work to give back to Morgantown and to the surrounding communities every chance they get.

Most recently, the WVU cross country team donated their time to helping the Jerry Lewis Telethon. Aimed towards helping kids with muscular dystrophy and related diseases, the 21-and-a-half-hour telethon was first aired in 1966 and has allocated over $42 million to research projects and funded more than 300 projects worldwide. The Mountaineers do their part to help the cause by answering telephones which constantly are ringing with donors.

The Mountaineers are frequent visitors to the Children’s Hospital and help several different local community service projects.

The team also regularly donates its time and knowledge by hosting and teaching local youth track clubs, including the WV Flyers, to learn the fundamentals of the sport. Along with strengthening the youngsters’ skills they also teach the participants the importance of good sportsmanship, courage, determination and hard work.

Coach Cleary’s student-athletes can also be found reading to children at elementary schools in the “Read Aloud” program. During their visit, the studentathletes read to students in several classrooms and encouraged the school’s older students to apply themselves to their studies.

Mountaineer coaches and players also take part in Relay for Life of Monongalia County, the American Cancer Society’s signature activity. It offers everyone in a community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people camp out at WVU’s outdoor track and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Relays are an overnight event, up to 24 hours in length.

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STUDENT-ATHLETE SERVICES

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committed TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

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“The Athletic Academic Performance Center is a significant development for an academically oriented institution such as West Virginia to recognize the special needs required for a modern student-athlete’s success both as an athletic competitor on the field of play and in the classroom.”

- Garrett Ford, Associate Athletic Director for Student Services.

STUDENT-ATHLETE SERVICES

“We have a mentor program here at the university that is

second to none. Our track team grade point average was number one in the country in 2008 and our overall cross country gpa was excellent. These numbers are not only a testament to my assistants but to academic support staff that we have in place.

The study rooms available are amazing. Every year we have

more and more things added to the repertoire of needs for our kids.

You walk into our academic success rooms and our kids have everything they need.” - Coach Sean Cleary

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Cleary On Academic Success

The WVU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is committed to the promotion of the academic achievement of student-athletes as well as their athletic accomplishment and their personal and career development.

In support of this position, West Virginia University offers a variety of services and programs to help student-athletes maximize their academic potential. Department staff members work with coaches, on campus student service providers and faculty to help student-athletes meet the unique demands of the classroom, the sporting arena and the personal-social challenges they face as developing adults.

While many of the headlines center on the Mountaineers’ accomplishments on the playing field, West Virginia athletes have also made some noteworthy strides in the classroom.

One person who is quick to point that out is Director of Athletics Ed Pastilong, who, along with coach Sean Cleary, has made academics a priority.

Opened in 2008 was the brand new $1.3 million Athletic Academic Performance Center in the WVU Coliseum. The leadership gift for the facility was provided by former Mountaineer great Jerry West and his wife Karen. The West’s gift to the Athletic Academic Performance Center is in memory of Jerry’s brother, David, who was killed during the Korean Conflict, and in honor of his long-time friend and WVU teammate Willie Akers and wife, Linda. The 8,000-square-foot academic center is six-times larger than existing space. It provides individual and group study areas as well as a state-of-the art computer lab and is utilized by more than 500 male and female student-athletes.

“The Athletic Academic Performance Center is a significant development for an academically oriented institution such as West Virginia to recognize the special needs required for a modern student-athlete’s success both as an athletic competitor on the field of play and in the classroom,” said Garrett Ford, Associate Athletic Director for Student Services.

The study center provides a quiet atmosphere and will be open seven days a week and all student-athletes are encouraged to use it. Athletes can use the center between classes or after practice in the evenings, with flexible hours tailored to make the most of a student-athlete’s limited time. Athletes may come and go as they please, but make no mistake, they must make the grade.

To help them do that, the WVU student services staff, headed by Ford and his assistants Sandy Cole-DeMent, Erica Wycherley, Paul Downey and Ehren Green, makes sure that every student-athlete has the best possible opportunity to obtain a college degree. This process begins as soon as a recruit signs a letter-of-intent to play for the Mountaineers.

“We know everything about incoming freshmen academically before they arrive in the fall,” said Ford. “We know which students are ahead of others and which will require more assistance.”

Besides keeping in touch with freshmen, incoming student-athletes are encouraged to attend freshman orientation sessions offered for all West Virginia University students during the summer prior to their arrival on campus. This is where new students can learn more about the Morgantown campus and, most important, register for classes.

During pre-registration, all student-athletes, from incoming freshmen to graduating seniors, get advice in scheduling the courses to keep them on track in their degree programs. During the second week of classes, freshmen are enrolled in mandatory study halls, monitored by Ford and his staff. Those who do well during the first semester are given the option of attending study hall, but if their GPA drops below a certain mark, they must return to the mandatory sessions.

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STUDENT-ATHLETE SERVICES

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During the semester, department officials keep a careful record of each athlete’s academic progress. Class and study hall attendance are checked regularly, periodic grade reports are obtained from instructors, and parents, coaches and players are kept up-to-date on their academic progress.

These measures are succeeding in a noticeable way. Last semester, 445 student-athletes earned a place on the Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll with at least a 3.0 grade-point average.

In another program, former Mountaineer athletes are returning to school to complete work on their degrees, some after as many as 10 years away from Morgantown.

“At West Virginia University, we do everything in our power to assist our student-athletes as they work toward graduation,” said Pastilong. “We only have one rule -- they must do the best they can possibly do. We can assure every student-athlete that the University and the athletic department will do our best. We expect our students to do their best for us.

“Together, we cannot help but succeed. Our success is measured by how much personal growth we see in our young people, and I am proud of every one of our student-athletes in this regard.”

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At West Virginia University “Once a student, always a student”

When a member of the Mountaineer coaching staff preaches the virtues of receiving a good education, they’re not just blowing smoke.

WVU Director of Athletics Ed Pastilong has made student academic achievement his primary focus since his appointment as athletic director in 1989.

Under Pastilong’s direction, West Virginia has made it a prerogative to graduate its student-athletes.

And it’s happening.

But for those who don’t graduate with their class, there’s still hope.

A post-eligibility program was created at the beginning of Pastilong’s administration to give those student-athletes who are close to graduating an opportunity to come back to school to complete their degrees.

Since its creation, dozens of students have participated, with a success rate of better than 80 percent. More than 25 student-athletes from all sports participated in the post-eligibility program last year.

In 1992, under the direction of associate athletic director Garrett Ford, WVU joined the growing list of schools that are a part of an NCAA-sponsored consortium. Similar to the post-eligibility program in providing former student-athletes a chance to continue work toward their degrees, the closely screened consortium requires participants to be more involved in community-related activities. The consortium students are often much older athletes, who left the University to pursue professional sports or business careers, but now wish to return to complete their degrees.

NCAA Certification

West Virginia was among the first schools in the nation to undergo the NCAA recertification process, working with those committees throughout the spring and summer of 2000 to gain full NCAA certification in 2001.

West Virginia was compliant in all five areas: governance and commitment to compliance; academic integrity; fiscal integrity; gender equity; and sportsmanship.

WVU was one of the first schools nationally to volunteer for the NCAA’s pilot certification program in 1991, and was one of five schools originally certified at that time. The program was re-certified by the NCAA in 1996, and this latest notification marks the third consecutive certification for WVU.

STUDENT-ATHLETE SERVICES

WVU initiated the process by conducting a self-study that included members of the University faculty, staff and student-athletes, as well as athletic department personnel. Following that self-study, conducted during 1994, a group of administrators from other NCAA Division I institutions visited the Morgantown campus to examine the results of the self-study’s findings. That visiting group then reported back to the NCAA Committee on Athletics Certification, which issued the official certification.

Graduation Rates

West Virginia University’s graduation rate for student-athletes has been impressive, to say the least, over the past seven years. The ratio of student-athletes graduating to the general student body has increased almost every year.

“I’m quite pleased to see that our graduation rates are maintaining a more than respectable level,” said WVU Director of Athletics Ed Pastilong. “I want to compliment our student-athletes for their attention to academics, I want to compliment assistant athletic director Garrett Ford and his excellent staff in student services for their efforts in assisting our students, and I want to compliment our coaches for being so conscientious toward our students’ needs.”

The graduation rate for student-athletes is based upon the number of students who entered the University receiving athletic scholarship aid in a given academic year, and their progress over six years. The most recent figures are based upon the progress of student-athletes who entered WVU during 1993-94.

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CHAMPS Life Skills

The numerous challenges that today’s college student-athletes face, both on and off the playing field, are unparalleled in the history of higher education. Unfortunately, many students are not well prepared to face these challenges. To prepare student-athletes for the demands of college life and beyond, the NCAA has developed the CHAMPS (Challenging Athletes Minds for Personal Success)/Life Skills program.

In the spring of 1995, West Virginia University initiated its own CHAMPS/Life Skills program. WVU was one of 170 schools selected by the NCAA to participate in their national pilot program. Five programming “commitment” areas viewed as critical to personal growth are part of WVU’s model. They are: 1) academic excellence, 2) personal development, 3) career development, 4) athletic excellence, and 5) community service.

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STUDENT-ATHLETE SERVICES Commitment to Academic Excellence

The purpose of this area is to support the academic progress of the student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation.

Services provided within this component include tutoring, academic counseling and advising, orientation classes (sport studies 170), and structured study sessions.

Commitment to Athletic Excellence

The purpose of this area is to offer athletic programs that are broad-based, equitable, and dedicated to the well-being of the studentathlete. The WVU CHAMPS/Life Skills program supports and encourages a broad program of sports on the collegiate level, as well as acts a resource for the coaching and support staff of the athletic programs.

Commitment to Personal Development

The purpose of this area is to support the development of a wellbalanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth and decision making skills. CHAMPS/Life Skills services provided within this component include personal counseling, health presentations, improving communication skills, and presentations on social development and fiscal responsibility.

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Commitment to Service

The purpose of this component is to engage interested studentathletes in service to his or her campus and surrounding communities.

Activities for student-athletes within this component include peer education, guest speaking at campus and community events, and mentoring local children.

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Commitment to Career Development

The purpose of this component is to encourage the student-athlete to develop and pursue career and life goals in a timely manner.

The CHAMPS/Life Skills program fulfills this purpose by offering career development presentations, sport career retirement programs, and by working in conjunction with the WVU Counseling Service and the Career Services Center on identifying and individual’s interests, career goals, resumes, and job search process.

For more infomration, contact Dr. Ed Etzel at (304) 293-7062.

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HEAD COACH SEAN CLEARY

SEAN CLEARY

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HEAD COACH · 3RD SEASON WEST VIRGINIA (1992)

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Sean Cleary, one of the sport’s most talented coaches, is in his third season at the helm Cleary At A Glance of the West Virginia University cross country and track teams after being associated with the program for 18 years. With his expertise in the mentoring, training, conditioning and recruiting of COACHING EXPERIENCE distance runners, Cleary has quickly built West Virginia’s cross country program into a national WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY, 1993-PRESENT powerhouse with four All-Americans and numerous all-conference runners.

• Four All-American cross country runners

In just his second year with the WVU, Cleary led the squad to several top finishes as it • 2008 NCAA Cross Country Championship forth-place rewrote the school record books. In the Top 10 by the US Track and Field and Cross Country finish Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Division I Women’s National Poll for the entire season, the • Perfect 1,000 NCAA APR score in 2008 Mountaineers were ranked a team-best No. 5 in the three times throughout year.

• Coached 2008 BIG EAST Individual Champion

Also in 2008, Cleary led his nationally ranked squad to a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Marie-Louise Asselin Championship, the highest-ever in school history, and guided Marie-Louise Asselin and Keri Bland • Three Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year honors to their second consecutive All-America honors.

(2004, 2007, 2008)

The Mountaineers qualified for nationals with their second NCAA Mid-Atlantic Region • NCAA Mid-Atlantic team champions (2004, 2008) Championship, where they tied Princeton with 51 team points. WVU also garnered more honors • 2007 BIG EAST Champions with six runners being named to the all-Mid-Atlantic Region team.

• 2007 BIG EAST Coaching Staff of the Year

At the conference level, Asselin became the first individual champion in school history at the • Coached 17 NCAA All-Mid Atlantic Region runners BIG EAST Championship, where the team finished second. Asselin, Clara Grandt and Bland were • Nine all-BIG EAST runners all named to the all-BIG EAST team.

For his accomplishments in leading the Mountaineers, Cleary was named the 2008 NCAA EDUCATION Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year for the third time in his career and for the second-consecutive West Virginia University season by the USTFCCCA. • Bachelor’s degree (physical education)

The 2008 track team also had a successful year with three runners qualifying for the NCAA Championships. Grant led the team as she earned All-American honors for finishing fourth in the RUNNING EXPERIENCE 10,000-meter finals. Grant then went on to be named as Mid-Atlantic Region Track Athlete of the West Virginia University, 1991-92 Year by the USTFCCCA • Helped 2001 team to Atlantic 10 title

Cleary also led his team to a solid finish in the conference as it finished in seventh-place at • Earned all-conference honors in 1992 the BIG EAST Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Grandt led as she took the title in the 5,000-meter, while Carrier captured the 100-meter hurdle. The Mountaineers qualified three for the NCAA Championships in Asselin, Grandt and Carrier

The Georgetown, Ontario, native’s first season as head coach was a record-setting one as he guided the 2007 cross country team to its first BIG EAST Championship in school history. Cleary had a then-school record three all-BIG EAST performers in 2007 and brought WVU back into the Top 25 of the national polls for the first time since 2004. He then followed up a conference title with a second-place finish at the Mid-Atlantic Regional to qualify for the team’s fourth-ever appearance at nationals. There, he ran a lineup of all sophomores and placed ninth in the country, the highest finish in school history at the time. Asselin and Bland earned All-America honors, and Cleary was named the Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year for the second time in his career.

Also in his first season as head coach, Cleary saw Asselin and Bland claim BIG EAST indoor titles in the 3,000-meter and 1,000-meter, respectively, while the distance medley relay (DMR) set a BIG EAST meet record in winning the indoor crown. The DMR went on to place fourth at nationals and Asselin placed seventh in the 3,000-meter to earn All-America honors. He also coached Grandt to break a 28-year-old record in the 10,000-meter at the ECAC Outdoor Championship and saw Chelsea Carrier win her first league title in the 100m hurdles outdoors as a freshman. Bland finished the 2008 outdoor season by earning All-America honors in the 1,500-meter to become the first female in WVU history to earn All-America honors in three sports in the same year.

Cleary previously had been the distance coach in 2005 and 2006 and was a full-time assistant from 2001-04, serving as the primary coach and trainer for the cross country team during that span. Prior to the 2001 season, Cleary served as a graduate assistant coach for eight seasons at WVU.

In 2006, Cleary brought a young team along nicely before season’s end. The ’06 squad claimed a sixth-place finish at the 2006 BIG EAST Championship, improving from 12th the year before. Then, perhaps one of the biggest surprises of the 2006 Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships, was the finish of Cleary’s group. Despite having more than 60 percent of the roster comprised of freshmen, WVU register a fourth-place finish at regionals after spending all season ranked between 10th and 12th in the regional polls. Four of WVU’s top five finishers were freshmen.

In the 2005 outdoor track season, Cleary coached five NCAA regional qualifiers. In 2005, Jennifer Kemp won the NCAA Regional championship in the 800m, while Jennifer Davis was the 3,000m ECAC champion. Megan Metcalfe won the national championship in the 5,000m, becoming the third women’s track athlete in school history to win an individual national championship.

Cleary helped the Mountaineers win their first-ever Mid-Atlantic Regional championship in 2004 and was a major part of WVU’s 15th-place finish at the NCAA Championship that same year. For his efforts, Cleary was named the 2004 Mid-Atlantic Regional Coach of the Year by a vote of 31 fellow coaches within the region. Cleary and the cross country staff have won four regional coaching staff of the year awards.

From 1998 to 2004, WVU’s distance medley relay team qualified for nationals seven-consecutive years, the second longest streak in the nation under Cleary’s watch.

Cleary helped lead West Virginia to all four of its NCAA Championship appearances and also has coached 16 athletes who have competed at the World Track and Field, World Cross Country, World University Games, and Pan American Championships.

Cleary worked closely with former head coach Martin Pushkin in building the women’s cross country team into a national contender. Cleary was responsible for the recruitment and mentoring of NCAA mile champion Kate Vermeulen as well as All-Americans Rebecca Stallwood, Merissa Sexsmith

and Metcalfe. Metcalfe became Cleary’s second national champion, 37th AllAmerican and 102nd NCAA qualifier.

Under his guidance, Cleary’s coaching produced several All-America runners, including four-time All-American Bob Donker, NCAA cross country AllAmericans Wynston Alberts, Mike Dudley and Steve Bohan, two-time NCAA qualifiers Jeff Metcaff and Bohan, NCAA qualifier Ian Collings and 5,000-meter All-American Mark Vilardo.

Cleary, who holds a USATF Level I Certification, is the primary recruiter for the cross country squad, attracting the best in-state, out-of-state and international athletes. Cleary is also responsible for scheduling all meets and serves as the director for home meets.

He was a member of the Mountaineer team in 1991 and 1992, and helped the 1991 squad capture the Atlantic 10 cross country title and he earned allconference honors his last season, while helping West Virginia to a secondplace conference finish.

Cleary attended Central Oregon Community College where he helped lead the team to the National Junior College Athletic Association title. Cleary received a bachelor’s degree in physical education from WVU in 1992. He resides in Morgantown.

ONE-ON-ONE with coach Sean Cleary What are the expectations for the team after the success in 2008?

The girls are fired up. They are every year, but this is a very unique group. In the back of their minds, they have very high expectations and the bottom line for them is to emulate what they did last year.

What was the offseason like for the team?

To be honest, my philosophy as a coach is to not over coach. I think it is very easy and natural to want everything to be perfect. My feeling is that we have been coaching them perfect for three years. They are a very disciplined group, so really I just want to do what we have always done.

A lot of the girls run track and some of the cross county meets are close together. Are you worried about recovery time?

I think having not done a lot early in the season allows the recovery time between meets. Everyone has to do it and they understand that they have to, so it’s not a big deal.

The biggest objective for me is that when the girls finish track season, and some of them just finished in late summer, is to give them a break. They have been going since last August till this July and they haven’t stopped.

Talk about the depth on this season’s squad.

We are very fortunate that we have three All-Americans in the program right now, but our backup group is great as well. If I would eliminate those the top three girls from the lineup and I were to sit down with any of our next four, I would tell each of them that they all have a shot to be an All-American in the next year or two. And I believe that.

2009 CROSS COUNTRY

With that said, a few of the girls ran a little bit more this summer. They did not run more because we are trying to do well at nationals; they ran more because they are old enough to run more now. They are at just at the point of evolution and even if they were a team that did not have a chance to go to nationals, they would still be running more.

Almost half of your team is in-state talent, what does that say about the sport in the state?

Even if you just took a team of Clara Grandt, Keri Bland, Ahna Lewis and Kaylyn Christopher, you would be looking at 25 nationally ranked team. They are amazing. Hopefully they are inspiring kids around the state for the future.

What are you overall team goals for this season?

As for team goals, our priority is nationals. Regionals are a stepping stone, as is the BIG EAST. We have the most storied conference in the country and I think a BIG EAST team has one the national title eight times in the past 10 or 15 years.

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ASSISTANT COACH JENN DAVIS

JENN DAVIS

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ASSISTANT COACH · 3RD SEASON WEST VIRGINIA (2004)

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Former Mountaineer distance runner Jennifer Davis is back for her third season as an Davis At A Glance assistant coach at her alma mater.

In 2008, Davis helped coach WVU’s cross country team to its highest finish in school COACHING EXPERIENCE history, leading the Mountaineers to a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Championships, and WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY, 2007-PRESENT guided juniors Marie-Louise Asselin and Keri Bland to their second consecutive All-America • Assistant Coach titles. The squad also was the NCAA Mid-Atlantic team champions, while a record-setting six • Guided two cross country All-Americans runners were named to theall-Mid-Atlantic Region team.

• Aided team to NCAA Mid-Atlantic team title

The fourth-place accomplishment topped the 2007 record-setting finish of ninth-place. • Six all-Mid-Atlantic region runners That team won the BIG EAST title for the first time ever and produced two All-Americans in Asselin and Bland, as well as three all-BIG EAST and all-region performancers.

During the track season, Davis worked with the distance medley relay squad that finished EDUCATION fourth in the country. She also helped Alison Spiker qualify for the NCAA regionals in the West Virginia University, 2001-06 • Bachelor’s degree (English) steeplechase, despite never previously running the event in her career.

Prior to her full-time promotion in 2007, the Romney, W.Va., native had been a volunteer • Master’s degree (Elementary education) assistant to Sean Cleary since 2005 and was responsible for steeplechase training, while coordinating home cross country meets. Davis administered workouts for the program’s middleand long-distance runners. She also worked with six NCAA individual qualifiers from 2005-07. RUNNING EXPERIENCE

From 2003-07, Davis worked as an assistant coach with the West Virginia Flyers club. West Virginia University, 2001-05 Davis administered workouts, assisted with meet management and served as the web manager • Qualified for NCAA competition five times for the running club. During that span, the club produced 45 West Virginia high school state • Four-time BIG EAST Academic All-Star champions in the middle and long distance events (800-3200-meter). She also oversaw 14 • Two-time academic All-American members who received Division I scholarships.

Davis ran track and cross country at WVU from 2001-05 and qualified for NCAA competition five times in cross country, the distance medley relay and 5,000-meters. She captained and helped guide the WVU cross country team to a Mid-Atlantic regional championship in 2004 under then-assistant coach Cleary.

In track, Davis was the first West Virginia native to run the 1,600-meters in less than five minutes. She also earned All-America honors twice as the anchor of the distance medley relay team. She has the second fastest time in the steeplechase (10:42.58) at WVU and was a member of the school record holding 4x800 relay team (8:48.07) in 2003. In 2005, she captured the ECAC 3,000-meter title with a time of 9:33.61. A four-time BIG EAST Academic All-Star, Davis was twice named an academic All-American.

Davis received her bachelor’s degree in English from WVU in 2005 and finished her master’s in elementary education in the fall of 2006.

She resides in Morgantown.

SUPPORT STAFF

Liz Bunn

Bryan Fitzpatrick

Athletic Training

Strength & Conditioning

Liz Bunn works with several varsity sports teams in the Shell Building, including her primary sports of women’s soccer, cross country, track and baseball.

The Phoenix, Ariz., native received a bachelor of science degree in both athletic training and biochemistry from Charleston Southern University in 2005. Bunn worked with five different sports team as an undergraduate assistant athletic trainer at CSU. Bunn played four years on the Charleston Southern women’s soccer team, two of those as a starter, and was named to the Big South’s All-Academic Team in 2001 and 2002.

In 2006, Bunn completed her master’s of education degree in sports medicine from the University of Virginia. While completing her degree, she worked with five different sports teams at the Virginia Military Institute as a graduate assistant athletic trainer.

Bunn and her husband, Wil, reside in Morgantown.

Athletic Equipment

Veteran staff member Robert “Bubba” Schmidt is in his 28th season as equipment manager at West Virginia. He is responsible for all the athletic garb and gear worn by each of WVU’s varsity athletic teams, with the exception of football. He is responsible for the ordering of new equipment for 16 sports. One of his primary duties includes keeping an up-to-date inventory of all equipment items and storage, a task he handles efficiently for hundreds of Mountaineer athletes practicing out of the Coliseum and Shell Building.

The 1976 graduate of WVU has a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He has worked in the equipment room since 1978 and was elevated to equipment manager at the start of the 1980 season.

The Wheeling native is married to the former Betsey Pedone.

They have three daughters, Kay-lee, Iliana and Anne Peyton.

Tricia Lanum

Athletic Equipment

Tricia Lanum is in her fifth year working in the athletic equipment room at West Virginia University. Lanum works with all women’s sports teams with her primary sports being women’s soccer, women’s basketball and gymnastics.

Lanum’s responsibilities include purchasing, distributing, inventory and storage of all apparel and equipment for all women’s varsity sports teams under head equipment manager Bubba Schmidt.

She helps supervise student assistants and assists with gameday set-up.

A Papillion, Neb., native, Lanum graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training in 2005. She received her master’s degree in special education three years later in 2008.

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Bubba Schmidt

Bryan Fitzpatrick is in his first year on the strength and conditioning staff at West Virginia University, serving as the coordinator of speed/ skill development.

He came to Morgantown in June after serving as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Minnesota Vikings.

With the Vikings, he conducted strength training, flexibility and conditioning programs for the players. He also assisted the director in others areas of strength and skill development.

From 2006-08, Fitzpatrick was an assistant strength and conditioning coach and assistant speed development coach at Penn State, educating the student-athletes on the principles of sound strength training and conditioning, assisted the director in developing and implementing strength and conditioning training programs and helped implement programs that focused on injured student athletes’ rehabilitation.

While a student at Towson, he spent a year as a student assistant strength and conditioning coach and assistant coach with the football program.

Fitzpatrick earned his bachelor’s degree in sports studies/sports and humanities from Towson in 2005 and his master’s degree in education leadership/principal certification in 2008 from Penn State.

He was a three-year starter at Towson and was voted team captain by his teammates as a senior. He also was an all-league and all-area selection at Du Val High School in Lanham, Md.

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SUPPORT STAFF

Paul Downey

Kelly Tuckwiller

Academic Services

Sports Communications

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Paul Downey joined the Mountaineer staff in 2005 as an academic advisor.

In 2008 he became the Director of the Coliseum Academic Performance Center and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the center including the tutoring and mentoring programs. His duties also include communicating with the Office of Admissions and Records and compliance regarding the ongoing APR (Academic Progress Rate) efforts of the athletic department.

He is also responsible for providing guidance to the baseball, cross country, gymnastics, rowing, men’s and women’s swimming, track, volleyball and wrestling teams.

A native of Altoona, Pa., Downey received his bachelor’s degree from Clarion University in psychology in 1997. He then went on to receive a master’s degree in kinesiology at Maryland in 2001 and got a second master’s in community counseling from WVU in 2004.

Most recently Downey received his doctorate in sport and exercise psychology in 2005 from WVU.

Downey resides in Morgantown with his wife Carrie and their daughter, Jillian.

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Dr. Matt Lively Medical Director

Kelly Tuckwiller is in her third year with the WVU sports communications office, first as a graduate assistant. A Lewisburg, W.Va., native, Tuckwiller is the primary media relations contact for the Mountaineer volleyball, cross country and track and field teams, and has previously worked with men’s and women’s swimming and diving, rowing and tennis. She also assists in the overall media operations of WVU football and men’s and women’s basketball.

Previously, Tuckwiller worked as a sports intern at West Virginia Metro News located in Morgantown. There, she learned the basics of radio copy and how to cut interview clips under deadline.

Tuckwiller is currently pursing a master’s degree in WVU’s Perley Issac Reed School of Journalism’s integrated marketing communications program, after receiving her bachelor of science degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations in 2009.

She is a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America and WVU’s 4H Club. Outside of school, she serves as a volunteer in the WVU Children’s Hospital.

Adam Graham Athletic Training Graduate Assistant

Cindy Smith Administrative Assistant

SEASON PREVIEW

2009 CROSS COUNTRY

the 2009 season

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The highest-ever finish in school history, two All-Americans, West Virginia University’s first BIG EAST individual champion and three all-BIG EAST runners – just a few of the WVU cross country team’s accomplishments in 2008. Now take that list as encouragement, throw in a group of talented veterans and see what the Mountaineers can add to the list in 2009.

Led by coach Sean Cleary, the WVU Cross Country team shocked the country last year with a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Championship, while then-juniors Keri Bland and Marie-Louise Asselin earned All-American honors. On top of that, Asselin led the team to a second-place showing at the BIG EAST Championship, with her first-place finish, while Bland and then-junior Clara Grandt also raced to earn all-BIG EAST honors.

“The success last year was really just an extension of the two years prior,” the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year says.

“We were ninth at NCAAs two years ago, then seventh. We knew we were healthy last season, and we didn’t graduate any from the top five, so we had high expectations. To be honest, when things are rolling really well you expect to do certain things, and I think that team expected to do well.”

For three years, Cleary has helped the WVU cross country team perform at the highest level. Now with six returning seniors, including the top trio of Bland, Asselin and Grandt, Cleary and his team look to continue where they left off with hopes of running their way to a national title.

“It has just been this amazing ride,” Cleary says. “To date, we haven’t had a bad meet as a group in three years, which is unheard of. Now, they are seniors, mixed in with tremendous youth. It is just

the right balance of each age group.”

At the top of the lineup is Bland who finished14th (20:20) at the NCAA Championship last season to earn her second consecutive All-America honors. Also racing well at the NCAA Regionals, the Fairview, W.Va., native was the first Mountaineer to cross the line with a fourth-place showing (20:32). This season, Bland returns prepared with more confidence and more training.

“Bland redshirted during track season and probably got the earliest start on this fall,” Cleary says. “Last year, after the Olympic Trials she got the latest start on the fall and ended up being an All-American. Now, she is giving herself about six extra weeks of training and it should only help.”

Asselin returns after finishing 17th (20:27) at the NCAA Championship to also earn her second consecutive All-America honor. The Sarnia, Ontario, native became WVU’s first individual champion in her first-place showing (20:10) at the conference championship, and was a member of the NCAA Mid-Atlantic all-Region team.

Grandt is poised for a good season after earning All-America honors in the 2009 outdoor track season in the 10K.

“Bland finished 14th last year at the NCAA Championship and Asselin was the BIG EAST Champion and 17th at the national meet,” Cleary says.

“Grandt finished just a half second behind the mark, but went on to have a great track season and become an All-American.”

The West Union, W.Va., native was a vital part to the Mountaineers success in 2008 with her 42nd-place finish at the NCAA Championship (20:44). Grandt also raced well at the conference championship where she finished third (20:29), garnering a selection to the all-BIG EAST team.

“Grandt has run from start to finish all three seasons. By earning AllAmerica honors in track, she developed the confidence to know that she

SEASON PREVIEW

Kate Harrison

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belongs in the very front of any college race in the world – she is that good now,” Cleary admits. “With that confidence alone, I feel certain she can be an All-American in cross country this year.”

Ahna Lewis returns for her sophomore season after a successful campaign as a redshirt freshman. Lewis stood out at the Old Nassau Run, where she was the first collegiate runner, second overall, to cross the line with a time of 21:53.10.

The Morgantown, W.Va., native then posted a breakout performance at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regionals, where she finished 15th (22:09).

“If you were to take away our leaders this season, Lewis would be one of the greatest runners in school history,” Cleary says. “She is young; she will only be a redshirt sophomore this season. Last year, she got 15th at the regional meet and three of her own teammates beat her. That means that there were only 11 girls in the whole region that were better than her.”

Also returning is Kate Harrison, a junior from Toronto, Ontario, who stood out last season at the NCAA Championship when she placed 69th (20:57). Harrison also placed well at regionals, being named to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Team for finishing 23rd (22:26).

“The big surprise for us a year ago at the national championship was Harrison,” Cleary says. “She came in 69th place individually and scored 55 team points for a tremendous finish.”

Karly Hamric returns for her senior season after a successful 2008-09 year as she earned All-America honors during track.

“Hamric was an All-American in track season, and she really matured as a runner this spring when we moved her up to the mile,” says Cleary.

Also look for runners such as redshirt freshman SarahAnne Brault and juniors Kaylyn Christopher and Jessica O’Connell, whom will add depth to the list of returning talent on the Mountaineer roster.

The season begins on Sept. 5, as WVU travels to Princess Anne, Md., for a race at Maryland Eastern Shore, followed by the Paul Short Invite in Bethlehem, Pa., on Oct. 2.

“In September, you won’t really see our team go for it,” Cleary explains. “I would say that in the early part of the season we are going to gain experience for future teams and our young runners. We’ll get down to business in October.”

After a trip to University Park, Pa., on Oct. 16, for the Penn State National Invitational, the Mountaineers are then set to travel to Kenosha, Wis., for the BIG EAST Championship. In one of the toughest leagues in the sport, WVU will to go head-to-head with competitors such as defending champion Villanova.

“Some think that we slipped at the BIG EAST Championship because we lost to Villanova, but I don’t. I actually thought that we ran a very good meet; we just got beat by a better team that day,” Cleary says. “However, the team obviously would like to get that title back.”

Following the conference championship, the Mountaineers have two weeks to prepare for the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regionals. Held in Princess Anne, Md., on Nov. 14, the Mountaineers are looking at regionals with high expectations.

After the Eastern College Athletic Conference Championships in New York City on Nov. 21, the Mountaineers then return to Terre Haute, Ind., on Nov.23, for the NCAA Championship. After last year’s historic finish, the Mountaineers are looking to place even higher this season, and with the talent returning, anything is possible.

With the one of the most exciting seasons in school history in the making, the WVU cross country team is prepared for excellence. Cleary not only hopes for the best, but expects the best from his veteran team.

“Our sport is not complicated; it comes down to what you did on the day that mattered the most. Your record is meaningless,” Cleary comments.

This season, look for the Mountaineers to emerge from the competition every race, as they work to add to their long list of accomplishments.

Marie Louise-Asselin

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MARIE LOUISE-ASSELIN 5-7 | SenioR Sarnia, Ontario

Marie Louise-Asselin Two-time All-American with national and international experience … along with Keri Bland and Clara Grandt, gives WVU a solid front-running trio … has a triathlon background.

At West Virginia in 2008: Finished 17th at the NCAA Championship with a time of 20:27 for second consecutive All-America honors … led team to historic fourth-place finish … BIG EAST Women’s Cross Country Individual Champion, first in WVU history ... finished first with a time of 20:10 ... named to the all-BIG EAST women’s team ... finished in ninth place at the NCAA MidAtlantic Regionals with a time of 21:46 ... named to the NCAA Mid-Atlantic all-region team ... set a meet and course record with a time of 19:38 at the Paul Short Invitational ... finished first and led team to a first place finish ... broke the WVU Agronomy Farm course record at 14:24 during intrasquad Gold-Blue meet ... was named the BIG EAST Cross Country Athlete of the Week on Oct. 10.

At West Virginia in 2006: Broke onto collegiate cross country scene as a freshman with several top finishes for Mountaineers … named to all-Mid-Atlantic regional team … finished first for WVU at Mid-Atlantic Regional, 12th overall … top WVU runner at BIG EAST Championship, finishing with the fifth best freshman time, 22nd overall … finished fifth at WVU Open … took 59th at Spiked Shoe Invite … 12th at National Open … first at Golden Flash Invitational … named to the Canadian National Cross Country team, where she placed second at the North American cross country championships.

Prep: Four-time letterwinner for coach Mark Scott at E.S. Franco-Jeunesse High … named junior and senior athlete of the year … 2003 OTFA midget champion … two-time OFAA medalist in track and cross country.

Personal: Daughter of Daniel and Carolina Laflamme Asselin … one of three children … birthday is Dec. 1 ... Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … BIG EAST Academic All-Star … 2008 ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA third team Academic All-American …

2008 NCAA Division I United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association Women’s All-Academic Team … majoring in exercise physiology.

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At West Virginia in 2007: Earned All-America honors as a sophomore after placing 14th individually at the NCAA Championship … became WVU’s third cross country All-American … all-Mid-Atlantic region selection … all-BIG EAST … helped WVU to finish in the Top 10 at nationals for the first time … placed third individually at NCAA Regionals, helping the team to finish in second place and earn a berth to nationals … took second at the BIG EAST Championship in Louisville, Ky., as WVU won its first BIG EAST title in school history … won the 25-team, 278-competitor Penn State National Open with a time of 20:46 … was top WVU runner and placed third at the Paul Short Invite … was held out of the first two meets of the year to concentrate on training/conditioning … ran for Canada at the World Championships in Scotland after finishing fourth at the Canadian Cross Country Championship …won a gold medal in the 5K at the Junior Pan-American Games the summer before the start of her sophomore season.

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KERI BLAND 5-2 | SenioR fairview, w.va.

Keri Bland In-state talent who runs at a national level … two-time cross country All-American … along with Marie-Louise Asselin and Clara Grandt, gives WVU a solid group at the front of the lineup … combines a rare combination of sprinter speed with distance strength.

At West Virginia in 2008: Placed 14th at NCAA Championship (20:20) to earn second consecutive cross country All-American honor … led team to historic fourth-place finish … finished fourth at NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional with a time of 21:24 ... first Mountaineer to cross the line to lead the team to a first-place finish ... named to the NCAA Mid-Atlantic all-region team ... finished fourth at the BIG EAST Championships (20:32) ... named to the all-BIG EAST women’s team ... finished second at the Penn State National Invitational (20:11) to lead team to first-place finish ... finished ninth with a time of 20:22 at the Paul Short Invitational.

At West Virginia in 2007: Earned All-American honors after finishing 23rd individually at the NCAA Championship as a sophomore … became WVU’s fourth cross country All-American … helped WVU to finish in the Top 10 at nationals for the first time … placed seventh individually at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regionals as the team finished in second place and earned berth to nationals … all-Mid-Atlantic region selection … raced to fourth-place result at the BIG EAST Championship, helping WVU win its first BIG EAST title in school history … all-BIG EAST … took fourth at the Penn State National Open … ran to seventh-place finish at the Paul Short Invite … was held out of the first two meets of the year to concentrate on training.

Prep: Two-time AAA state cross country champion for coach Larry Mason at North Marion High … two-time NCAC Runner of the Year … also a state champion in the 800-meters.

Personal: Daughter of Bart and Susan Bland … one of two children … birthday is Feb. 3 ... ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-District f second team …

Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … BIG EAST Academic All-Star … 2008 NCAA Division I United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Women’s All-Academic Team … majoring in mathematics.

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At West Virginia in 2006: One of the break-out stars who earned top finishes for WVU as a freshman … named to all-Mid-Atlantic Regional team … finished 19th at Mid-Atlantic Regionals … took 40th at BIG EAST Championship with 10th-best freshman time … finished fourth at Golden Flash Invitational … top WVU finisher and 11th overall at Spiked Shoe Invite … finished first for Mountaineers and sixth overall at Lock Haven Invitational … finished eighth at USA Cross Country Championship en route to being named to national team … placed fourth at the North American Cross Country Championship.

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CLARA GRANDT 5-1 | redshirt SenioR west union, w.va.

Clara Grandt State native who has improved every season as a Mountaineer … along with Marie-Louise Asselin and Keri Bland, gives WVU a solid trio at the top of the lineup … tough, determined runner … has national running experience … a leader on the team.

At West Virginia in 2008: Placed 42nd at NCAA Championship (20:44) to help team to fourthplace finish … finished sixth at NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional with a time of 21:35 ... second Mountaineer to finish and led the team to a first-place finish ... named to USA Cross Country Team and took first place at the NCAC … named to the NCAA Mid-Atlantic all-Region team ... finished third at the BIG EAST Championships (20:29) ... named to the all-BIG EAST women’s team ... third at the Penn State National Invitational (20:17) on Oct. 17 ... finished fifth with a time of 20:09 at the Paul Short Invitational … took eighth place with a time of 28:22 at the United States World Cross Country Trials in February.

At West Virginia in 2007: All-BIG EAST and all-Mid-Atlantic Region as a sophomore … placed 52nd with a time of 21:23 at the NCAA Championship in Terre Haute, Ind. … was the second WVU finisher in sixth place (20:20) at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional … helped WVU win BIG EAST Championships by finishing in eighth with a time of 20:59 … finished in seventh place at the Penn State National Open with a time of 21:17 … placed 15th at the Paul Short Invitational (21:01) … won the Lock Haven Invitational with a time of 20:34 … held out of the year’s first meet to rest … in the offseason, placed 32nd in the 8km run at the USA Cross Country Championships in San Diego.

At West Virginia in 2005: Received a redshirt.

Prep: Four-time all-state cross country runner for coach Craig Kellar at Doddridge County High ... three-time Little Kanawha Conference individual cross country champion ... captained 2004 AA-A state champion cross country team ... member of three-time state track champion team ... holds the state single-A record in the 1600-meter and 3200-meter ... also ran on the 4x800-meter state champion team, which has the state single-A record ... placed at the West Virginia state track meet all four years of high school.

Personal: Daughter of Thomas and Diana Grandt ... birthday is March 24 ... one of six children ... Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … BIG EAST Academic All-Star … majoring in exercise physiology.

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At West Virginia in 2006: Had a fantastic freshman season … finished breakout year taking 28th at Mid-Atlantic Regionals … finished 24th at BIG EAST Championship with sixthbest time for a freshman … won WVU Open, which was her first race with squad … took ninth at the Lock Haven Invitational … was the first Mountaineer and eighth overall at the National Open … took third at the Golden Flash Invitational.

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KARLY HAMRIC 5-8 | redshirt SenioR bruceton mills, w.va.

Karly Hamric A tough distance runner with a strong track background … has consistently improved as a Mountaineer … part of All-American DMR team … will look to break into the top seven lineup.

At West Virginia in 2008: Finished 29th at ECAC Championship with time of 18:41 … placed 47th at Paul Short Invitational (24:06.40) … finished second at 18:12.50 at Preston Relays.

At West Virginia in 2007: Took fifth at the WVU Invitational … took 20th at the Lock Haven Invitational (22:57) … did not count toward the team score in any other meet.

At West Virginia in 2006: Finished 13th at WVU Open as a redshirt freshman, her first race with the Mountaineers … took 63rd at National Open … placed 13th at Golden Flash Invitational.

At West Virginia in 2005: Received a redshirt.

Prep: All-state runner under coach Paul Martin at Preston High … split time in the fall with soccer and cross country ... integral part of Preston’s 2005 track state title run … placed second in the 400-meter and 800-meter at the 2005 state meet … anchored the 4x800 relay team that set a state record … member of West Virginia state championship runner-up team in 2004 while winning the 800-meter.

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Personal: Daughter of Ronald and Michelle Hamric … has one sister, Jordan, who is a redshirt freshman on the team … birthday is Oct. 13 … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … BIG EAST Academic All-Star … majoring in engineering.

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BURDA/DAVIS

Katie Burda 5-6 | Redshirt Senior Elkins, W.Va. Upperclassman who is working to make an impact this season … part of a family that has helped change the face of West Virginia distance running.

At West Virginia in 2008: Did not see action.

At West Virginia in 2007: Did not see action.

At West Virginia in 2006: Finished 20th at the WVU Open as a freshman … took 76th at Lock Haven Invitational.

At West Virginia in 2005: Received a redshirt.

Prep: Captained cross country team at Elkins High … member of the 2001 AAA state champion cross country team and the 2002 state runner-up team … two-time all-conference and all-region in cross country … all-state recognition in 2003 (3200m) and in 2005 (4x800) for track … also captained the track team as a senior … member of National Honor Society and student council.

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Personal: Daughter of Ed and Shellie Burda … mother Shellie is the cross country coach at state powerhouse Elkins High ... father was an NCAA qualifier for WVU in the 1980s ... has one brother … birthday is March 1 … member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Academy of Student Pharmacists … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … BIG EAST Academic all-Star … majoring in pharmacy.

Kerry Davis 5-6 | Redshirt Senior philippi, W.Va. State native with good skills ... has flourished under coach Cleary’s system and will be counted on as an upperclassman.

At West Virginia in 2008: Placed 90th at the ECAC Championship with a time of 20:38 … did not see action in any other race.

At West Virginia in 2007: Took 11th place at the WVU Invitational … finished 22nd at the Lock Haven Invitational … did not count towards the team score in any other meet.

At West Virginia in 2006: Finished 19th at the WVU Open … placed 78th at the National Open.

At West Virginia in 2005: Received a redshirt.

Prep: An all-state performer in cross country her senior year at Philip-Barbour High ... a fouryear cross country letterman with all-state recognition by virtue of her eighth-place finish at the state championship… was team captain for coach Alice Drew Tenney … class salutatorian and National Honor Society member.

Personal: Daughter of Arnett and Kathy Davis ... birthday is March 12 … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … BIG EAST Academic All-Star … majoring in business.

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McBEAN/ARTHURS

Mandy McBean 5-6 | Redshirt Senior Scarborough, Ontario Ontario native who will be looking to break into the top seven lineup … has national and international running experience … has strong potential.

At West Virginia in 2008: Did not see action in.

At West Virginia in 2007: Did not run in the top seven lineup over the first few meets of the season … finished 97th (23:15) at the Penn State National Open … did not make the lineup for the BIG EAST Championship or the Mid-Atlantic regional … was the fifth Mountaineer to finish at the NCAA Championship in 165th place (22:30).

At West Virginia in 2006: Redshirted after transferring from Wake Forest.

At Wake Forest in 2005: Placed 32nd at the Notre Dame Invitational … placed 40th at the NCAA Southeast Regional … finished 130th at the NCAA Championship.

Prep: A valedictorian and cross country provincial champion in 2004 at Mary Ward Catholic High … set indoor records in the 1,500-meter (4:36.43), 3,000-meter (9:49.69), and two-mile (10:28.58) … set outdoor records in the 800-meter (2:17.16), 1,500-meter (4:30.61), and 3,000meter (9:31.26) … was the recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Medal.

Personal: Daughter of Patricia and James McBean … birthday is April 2 … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … BIG EAST Academic All-Star … majoring in exercise physiology.

5-6 | Redshirt junior morgantown, W.Va. Morgantown native who has gained experience over the years … competed at the ECAC Championship… disciplined student-athlete who will look to improve this season.

At West Virginia in 2008: Placed 97th at the ECAC Championship with a time of 21:58 … came in 132nd with a time of 28:19.90 at the Princeton Invitational.

At West Virginia in 2007: Placed 22nd at the WVU Invitational with a time of 18:16 … did not see competitive action in any other meets.

At West Virginia in 2006: Received a redshirted.

2009 CROSS COUNTRY

Erica Arthurs

Prep: Four-year letterwinner in cross country and track at Morgantown High … helped lead Morgantown to three state titles in 2002, 2004 and 2005 … also helped team to a state runnerup finish in 2003 … team claimed the NCAC conference championship in 2002, 2004-05.

Personal: Daughter of Brian and Erin Arthurs … has one brother and three sisters … birthday is Sept. 30 … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … majoring in biology.

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CHRISTOPHER/COKELEY/HARRISON

Kaylyn Christopher

5-6 | Junior kingwood, W.Va.

State native who is constantly improving … has NCAA and BIG EAST Championship experience … heavily recruited, but chose to stay close to home … has unlimited potential.

At West Virginia in 2008: Placed 110th (21:17) at NCAA Championship … finished 23rd with a time of 22:14 at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regionals ... named to the NCAA Mid-Atlantic all-Region team ... finished 18th at the BIG EAST Championship with a time of 21:09 ... placed ninth (20:59) at the Penn State National Invitational ... finished 38th with a time of 21:24 at the Paul Short Invitational ... beat her personal-and course-best time of 15:19, crossing the finish line at 15:17, at WVU Gold-Blue Meet (2.5 miles).

At West Virginia in 2007: Immediately competed at a high level as a freshman … one of the top freshmen in the BIG EAST … won the WVU Invitational … took third at Lock Haven (21:28) … finished 54th at the Paul Short Invitational at Lehigh … fifth Mountaineer to finish at the Penn State National Open, took 38th place (21:58) … placed 43rd at the BIG EAST Championships (21:57) … fourth WVU runner to cross at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional with a time of 21:17, 30th overall … placed 137th (22:35) as the sixth WVU finisher at the NCAA Championships … in the offseason, placed 16th in the junior 6km run at the USA Cross Country Championships in San Diego.

Prep: McCoy Award Winner as a senior at Preston High as state’s top track and field performer … named Gatorade Track Athlete of the Year as junior … member of state champion track squad as a sophomore and senior … state champion and record holder in the 1600-meter run as a sophomore, junior and senior … won state championship and set record in 3200-meter run as a junior … named all-state and finished third in the 4x400 relay as a junior … state champion and record holder in the 800-meter run as a junior and senior … cross country state runner-up as a junior and senior … earned fifth place and named all-state cross country as a sophomore … took third place and earned all-state honors in the 800-meter run as a freshman and sophomore … member of record setting, state champion 4x800 relay team as a freshman, sophomore and senior … contributed on state runner-up 4x400 relay team as a sophomore.

Personal: Daughter of William and Janet Christopher … one of five children … birthday is April 10 … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … 2008 NCAA Division I United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association Women’s All-Academic Team … majoring in journalism.

Jamie Cokeley

5-2 | redshirt junior pennsboro, W.Va.

2009 CROSS COUNTRY

In-state native who is gaining experience at the collegiate level … ran at the ECAC Championship … has a passion for the sport.

At West Virginia in 2008: Finished 110th at Princeton Invitational (26:36.00) … placed 77th at the ECAC Championship with a time of 19:53.

At West Virginia in 2007: Placed 16th at the WVU Invitational with a time of 17:53 … did not compete in any other meets.

At West Virginia in 2006: Received a redshirt.

Prep: Three-time all-state runner and team captain for coach Terry Spangler at Ritchie County High … all-conference each of her four years.

Personal: Daughter of Larry and Angela Cokeley … one of three children … birthday is Oct. 4 … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … majoring in sport management.

Kate Harrison

5-6 | Junior TORONTO, ONTARIO

International talent who has made her mark as a Mountaineer … NCAA and BIG EAST competitor … made the top seven lineup as a freshman … continues to improve under Cleary’s guidance.

At West Virginia in 2008: Placed 69th in NCAA Championship race (20:57) … finished 23rd at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regionals on Nov. 15 with a time of 22:26 ... named to the NCAA Mid-Atlantic All-Region Team ... finished 32nd (21:34) out of 137 total runners at BIG EAST Championship ... placed 18th (21:07) at Penn State National Invitational ... finished 17th at Paul Short Invitational with at time of 20:53.

At West Virginia in 2007: Became a key part of team’s success towards the end of the year … finished in second place at the WVU Invitational … placed fifth (21:35) at the Lock Haven Invitational … was the fourth WVU finisher and took 39 that the Paul Short Invitational … took 36th (21:57) at the Penn State National Open as the fourth Mountaineer to cross … fifth West Virginia runner to cross at the BIG EAST Championship in 33rd place (21:40) … ran a time of 22:52 at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic regional and was the seventh Mountaineer to finish.

Prep: Ran for Bill Stephens while attending Birchmount Park C.I. … finished eighth in the 3,000-meter run at 2005 Canadian Junior Nationals … ran to a seventh-place finish in the 3,000-meter run at 2006 Canadian Junior Nationals … won bronze in the 3,000-meter run at the 2005 OFSAA … took silver in the 3,000-meter run at the 2006 OFSAA.

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Personal: Daughter of David and Wilhelmina Harrison … has one brother and one sister … birthday is June 20 … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … majoring in exercise physiology.

DALZOT/O’CONNELL

Maria Dalzot

5-2 | REDSHIRT junior MORGANTOWN, W.Va.

Hometown runner who has the ability to compete internationally … has made great progress in college … has tremendous enthusiasm for the sport … will be looked upon to contribute greatly this season.

At West Virginia in 2008: Received a medical redshirt.

At West Virginia in 2007: Consistently counted toward the team score as a sophomore … was the fourth Mountaineer to finish at nationals in 121st place… finished 31st at the Mid-Atlantic Regional as the fifth Mountaineer to cross the line … was the fourth Mountaineer finisher, 30th overall, at the BIG EAST Championship … placed 86th at the Penn State National Open … was the fifth Mountaineer to finish and took 91st at the Paul Short Invitational … missed the first few meets of the year to compete in the World Mountain Running Tournament in Switzerland … placed eighth out of 53 runners in the international race.

At West Virginia in 2006: Strong runner who made immediate impact on team as a freshman … finished 44th at Mid-Atlantic Regionals … took 48th at first BIG EAST Championships … finished fourth at WVU Open … 29th at Lock Haven Invitational … second WVU finisher and 28th overall at Spiked Shoe Invitational … finished 23rd at USA Cross Country Championship.

Prep: A member of three state championship cross country teams at Morgantown High … was the 2005 3200-meter West Virginia state champion … member of cross country state runner-up in 2002 … also ran with the WV Flyers track club.

Personal: Daughter of Rick and Kathy Dalzot … one of three children … birthday is April 8 ...

Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … BIG EAST Academic All-Star … majoring in human nutrition and foods.

5-2 | junior CALGARY, ALBERTA

Immediate contributor last year in first season in Morgantown … proven runner with national and international experience … has performed well at various prestigious meets as a part of three national teams … will be a leader as one of the top seven.

At West Virginia in 2008: Finished 16th at NCAA Championship (21:40) … placed 33rd at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regionals with a time of 22:53 ... ran the BIG EAST Championship in 21:30 to finish in 29th place ... finished in 21st place (21:11) at the Penn State National Invitational.

At the University of Calgary: Rookie of the year for track and cross country … two-time all-Canadian (1,500-meter and 4x800-meter) … team placed second at the CIS Cross Country Championship … ran impressive time (4:19.42) to take second in the 1,500-meter at the Victoria International Track Classic … qualified for World Junior Cross Country Championship … 1,500-meter qualifier for the 2008 World Junior Championships in Poland.

Prep: Ran for Mike Van Tighem at Western Canada High … 2006 Athletics Alberta Juvenile Athlete of the Year … was a finalist for same award in 2007 … cross country athlete of the year as a sophomore and senior … track athlete of the year as a junior and senior … five-time high school provincial champion in track … owns three provincial records and two provincial high school records … placed ninth at the NACAC Cross Country Championship … also third in 3,000-meter and fourth in 1,500-meter at the Pan-Am Junior Championships in Sao Paulo, Brazil … recipient of the Melissa Bone scholarship.

2009 CROSS COUNTRY

Jessica O’Connell

Personal: Daughter of Steve and Annette O’Connell … one of two children … birthday is Feb. 10 … also Irish danced for 10 years … majoring in exercise physiology.

35

CARUSO/HAMRIC

Stephanie Caruso

5-1 | REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE WHEELING, W.Va.

Talented in-state product who has improved time and gained strength … has potential to improve greatly this season.

At West Virginia in 2008: Finished 52nd at the ECAC Championship (19:15) … finished 27th at the Princeton Invitational (23:26.70) ... finished in a season high third place at the Preston Relays (18:14.00) At West Virginia in 2007: Received a redshirt.

Prep: State champion in the 3,200-meter run her sophomore, junior and senior years at Wheeling Central Catholic High … 2007 state champion in the 1600-meter … member of the winning 2004 OVAC cross country team.

2009 CROSS COUNTRY

Personal: Daughter of Michael and Cheryl Caruso … has one sister and one brother … birthday is April 24 … Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … majoring in exercise physiology.

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Jordan Hamric

5-4 | redshirt FRESHMAN BRUCETON MILLS, W.VA.

Strong, determined runner who is looking to gain experience … has a strong track and soccer background … sister Karly is a senior on the team.

At West Virginia in 2008: Received a redshirt.

Prep: Ran cross country and track for coach Paul Martin at Preston High … was the state champion of the 3,200-meter as a junior … second in 3,200-meter as a senior …member of record-setting 4x800-meter state champion relay in 2005 and 2007… third in the 1,600-meter and 4x400-meter relay as a sophomore … third in 1,600-meter as a junior … all-state and finished ninth at cross country state meet.

Personal: Daughter of Ron and Michelle Hamric … has one sister, Karly … birthday is Oct. 4 … majoring in exercise physiology.

LEWIS/WYATT/BRAULT

Ahna Lewis

5-6 | REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE MORGANTOWN, W.Va.

One of the surprise talents on last season’s squad … has NCAA and BIG EAST Championship experience … improved greatly over the course of last season … hometown talent who excels on the course and in the classroom.

At West Virginia in 2008: Placed 163rd (21:41) at NCAA Championship race … finished in 15th place at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regionals on Nov. 15 with a time of 22:09 ... named to the NCAA Mid-Atlantic all-Region team ... finished with a time of 21:17 in 22nd place at BIG EAST Championship ... finished in eighth place (20:56) at Penn State National Invitational ... ran the Paul Short Invitational in 20:49 to finish15th ... was the first collegiate runner, and second overall, at the Old Nassau Run with a time of 21:53.10 ... one of three runners to break the WVU Agronomy Farm course record during intra-squad Gold-Blue meet (2.5 miles) ... finished in 15:07 ... first overall with a time of 17:32.80 at the Preston Relays, her first collegiate race.

At West Virginia in 2007: Received a redshirt.

Prep: Member of the 2004, 2005 and 2006 state champion Morgantown High cross country team … 2003 individual state runner-up in cross country … team also finished second … co-captain of cross country and track teams … co-MVP of cross country team … 2004 state champion in the 1,600-meter run … finished first in her class out of 377 students … awarded the John Rockis Award that acknowledges the Morgantown High athlete with the highest cumulative GPA … awarded the Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award.

Personal: Daughter of Charles and Virginia Lewis … has one sister … birthday is Oct. 5 …

Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll … 2008 NCAA Division I United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association Women’s All-Academic Team … majoring in secondary education.

5-3 | REDSHIRT FRESHMAN MORGANTOWN, W.Va.

Hard worker who knows what it takes to win … was a key leader on state cross country championship team … will look to improve strength and speed this season.

At West Virginia in 2008: Received a redshirt.

Prep: Captained University High’s state championship cross country team in 2007 … placed 25th at the state cross country meet … three-time all-NCAC … ran for coaches Dan Demchak and Ed Frohnapfel … class valedictorian.

Personal: Daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth Wyatt … one of two children … birthday is June 30 … majoring in exercise physiology.

Sarah-Anne Brault

5-6 | redshirt freshman Winnipeg, Manitoba

Highly touted runner from Canada who is improving under Cleary’s system … may be the most skilled runner in 2008 class … has a triathlon background … will look to make an impact this season.

2009 CROSS COUNTRY

Lindsay Wyatt

At West Virginia in 2008: Received a redshirt Prep: Ran for coach Alphonse Bernard at Collège Louis-Riel … voted Manitoba Distance Female Athlete of the Year in 2006 and 2007 … owns 5,000-meter junior female provincial record … silver medal winner in 3,000m at Canadian junior nationals in 2006 and 2007 … represented Manitoba at cross country junior nationals in 2005 and 2006 … 2008 Manitoba Half Marathon winner … 2007 provincial champion in 1,500m and 3,000m … member of Manitoba High School Athletic Association … four-time cross country provincial champion (2004-07) …

MHSAA 1,500m and 3,000m junior varsity champion in 2005, 2006 … varsity champion in 1,500m in 2007 … member of 2007 4x400 MHSAA champion relay … member of junior national triathlon team from 2006-08.

Personal: Daughter of David Brault and Sylvie De Serres … one of three children … birthday is Dec. 1 … enrolled in general studies.

37

A MOSKAL/L MOSKAL/PORTNER/BUSER

Aubrey Moskal

5-3 | redshirt freshman morgantown, w.va.

Hometown runner who has national experience … strong runner who has relay background … brings leadership after captaining a state title team in high school.

At West Virginia in 2008: Received redshirt … finished 33rd (23:10) in the junior women’s 6K at the United States World Cross Country Trials in February.

Prep: A top-15 finisher at the state cross country meet for three years at Morgantown High … all-state in cross country as a freshman … captain of state runner-up cross country team as a senior … also captained the track team as a senior … part of state 4x400 and 4x800 relay teams … all-state in 800-meters and 4x800 as a senior … participated in the WV Flyers track club.

Personal: Daughter of Pam Moskal … birthday is Feb. 20 … twin sister, Lauren, is also on the cross country team ... majoring in elementary education.

Lauren Moskal

5-3 | redshirt freshman morgantown, w.va.

All-around athlete that looks to develop into a great asset to the team ... late addition to team last season … will fill in with relays during this track season.

Prep: Ran track for coach Mike Ryan at Morgantown High … finished sixth in the 4x800 at the 2008 state track meet … also a four-year letterwinner and all-conference soccer player.

Personal: Daughter of Pam Moskal … is an only child … birthday is Feb. 20 ... major is sport psychology.

2009 CROSS COUNTRY

Hallie Portner

5-1 | redshirt freshman morgantown, w.va.

Motivated hometown product … has strong middle-and long-distance strength … will look to make an impact this season … has great potential.

At West Virginia in 2008: Received redshirt … finished 32nd (23:08) in the junior women’s 6K at the United States World Cross Country Trials in February.

Prep: Coached by Ed Frohnapfel at University High … was the NCAC 1,600-meter champion and took third at 2008 state track meet in that event … sixth in state in the 3,200-meter in ’08 … was fourth at 2007 state meet in 3,200-meter and as a member of the 4x800 relay … helped cross country team win 2007 NCAC, regional and state titles … took third individually at the 2007 state cross country meet … all-conference in track and cross country … also played soccer for three years at UHS. Personal: Daughter of Robert and Darlene Portner … full name is Hallina … grew up in Colorado Springs, Colo., before moving to Morgantown … one of two children … birthday is May 14 … majoring in exercise physiology.

Rachel Buser

5-5 | redshirt freshman berkeley springs, w.va.

One of the most highly decorated distance runners in state history … broke numerous state records … adds to the list of in-state talent.

Prep: All-American at Berkeley Springs … placed third at the USATF Junior Olympic Championship to earn the honors … was a four-time A/AA state champion ... earned the McCoy Award and was named WV Track Athlete of the Year … was also an AAU Cross Country Girls Youth national champion … three-time champion and owns state class records in the 1600-meter and 3200-meter ... also owns state record in the 4x800 … played basketball as well.

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Personal: Daughter of Steve and Betsy Buser ... has a brother …birthday is May 27 ... majoring in human nutrition and food.

NEWCOMERS

Brenna Hagerty

5-7 | redshirt senior friendly, w.va.

Experienced runner who came from West Virginia Wesleyan … adds depth to the roster ... also excels in the classroom.

At West Virginia Wesleyan: Ran one season for the Bobcats … named West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) Runner of the Year after winning the conference championship ... was named an Academic All-American by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTCCCA).

Prep: Ran for Joe Semple at Tyler Consolidated ... also participated in volleyball and basketball.

Personal: Daughter of Joyce and Gary Hagerty ... has one brother and a sister … birthday is July 24 … working on a master’s degree in reading with an early childhood specialization.

Chelsea Jarvis

5-1 | freshman clendenin, W.Va.

Brings tremendous stamina to the team …will become a mainstay in WVU’s distance program.

Prep: Four-time MVP for coach Cali Wesson at Capital High …was a three time regional champion …also ran for Wapiti Runners.

Personal: Daughter of Scott and Terri Jarvis ... has one sister … major is biology … birthday is Dec. 27.

Sarah Martinelli

5-2 | freshman morgantown, w.va.

Gifted runner who adds to the list of local talent ... will work to improve this season with a redshirt.

Prep: 2008 captain for coach Ed Frohnapel at University High … helped team to two-straight state titles ... placed 10th individually at states in 2008 … was named first team all-conference in 2007-08.

Allison Pettit

5-6 | freshman morgantown, w.va.

One of two local recruits this season ... excels in the classroom as well ... will redshirt this season.

Prep: MVP of Morgantown High cross country and track teams ... ran under coach John Patti and coach Mike Ryan … awarded the Arthur Clyde Award ... also a National Honors Society member and officer.

Personal: Daughter of John and Denise Pettit ... father competed for WVU swim team … has one sister ... birthday is Nov. 20 ... majoring in exercise physiology.

Sarah Ritchie

2009 CROSS COUNTRY

Personal: Daughter of David and Paula Martinelli ... has one brother and two sisters … birthday is Sept. 25 … majoring in biology.

5-10 | freshman hilton, n.y.

Talented runner who will take a redshirt to develop this season ... will add depth to a national-caliber team.

and volleyball.

Prep: Competed for coach Mike Szczepanik at Hilton High ... finished second at 2006 Nike Team national cross country meet … posted a time of 18:59 in the 5K at the Warwick Valley State Meet … named to the all-Greater Rochester team ... also played soccer

Personal: Daughter of Kurt and Wendy Ritchie … has two sisters ... father played soccer and lacrosse at SUNY-Oswego ... birthday is Dec. 28 ... majoring engineering.

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2009 MOUNTAINEERS ALPHABETICAL

2009 CROSS COUNTRY

Name Erica Arthurs Marie-Louise Asselin Keri Bland Sarah-Anne Brault Katie Burda Rachel Buser Stephanie Caruso Kaylyn Christopher Jamie Cokeley Maria Dalzot Kerry Davis Clara Grandt Brenna Hagerty Jordan Hamric Karly Hamric Kate Harrison Chelsea Jarvis Ahna Lewis Sarah Martinelli Mandy McBean Aubrey Moskal Lauren Moskal Jessica O’Connell Allison Pettit Hallie Portner Sarah Ritchie Lindsay Wyatt

40

Yr. r-Jr. Sr. Sr. r-Fr. r-Sr. r-Fr. r-So. Jr. r-Jr. r-Jr. r-Sr. r-Sr. r-Sr. So. r-Sr. Jr. Fr. r-So. Fr. r-Sr. r-Fr. r-Fr. Jr. Fr. r-Fr. Fr. So.

Ht. 5-6 5-7 5-2 5-6 5-6 5-5 5-1 5-6 5-2 5-2 5-6 5-1 5-7 5-4 5-8 5-6 5-2 5-6 5-2 5-6 5-3 5-2 5-2 5-6 5-1 5-10 5-3

Hometown Morgantown, W.Va. Sarnia, Ontario Fairview, W.Va. Winnipeg, Manitoba Elkins, W.Va. Berkeley Springs, W.Va. Wheeling, W.Va. Kingwood, W.Va. Pennsboro, W.Va. Morgantown, W.Va. Philippi, W.Va. West Union, W.Va. Friendly, W.Va. Bruceton Mills, W.Va. Bruceton Mills, W.Va. Toronto, Ontario Clendenin, W.Va. Morgantown, W.Va. Morgantown, W.Va. Scarborough, Ontario Morgantown, W.Va. Morgantown, W.Va. Calgary, Alberta Morgantown, W.Va. Morgantown, W.Va. Hilton, N.Y. Morgantown, W.Va.

High School Morgantown Franco-Jeunesse North Marion Collège Louis-Riel Elkins Berkeley Springs Wheeling Central Catholic Preston Ritchie County Morgantown Philip Barbour Doddridge County Tyler Consolidated Preston Preston Birchmount Park Cl. Capital Morgantown University Mary Ward Catholic Morgantown Morgantown Western Canada Morgantown University Hilton Central University

Coaches Coach: Sean Cleary Assistant Coach: Jenn Davis

By Class Seniors Juniors Sophomores Freshmen

8 6 4 9

By State/Province Alberta Manitoba Ontario New York West Virginia

Pronunciation Guide Brault Dalzot Ahna (Lewis)

1 1 3 1 21

Moskal Hallie

Breaux Dowl-zott AW-nuh Moss-cull Howl-ee

2008 SEASON REVIEW

2009 CROSS COUNTRY

the 2008 season

42

The 2008 West Virginia University cross country team began the season in the shadow of the 2007 team’s historic campaign, which featured a program-best, ninth-place finish at the NCAA Championship. However, as the team began the season ranked sixth by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches’ Association (USTFCCCA), it would step out from behind the shadow into its own national spotlight.

At the end of the season, the Mountaineers once again found themselves at the NCAA Championship in Terre Haute, Ind. There, the team raced to a school-best, fourth- place finish, with two runners earning All-America honors. Junior Keri Bland led the team as she finished 14th with a time of 20:20, while classmate Marie-Louise Asselin finished 17th with a time of 20:27. Each received the honor for the second-consecutive year.

“The national championship race wasn’t so much that we ran above what we were capable of racing, but it was that we really ran a team race that we had been prepared to do so all season,” coach Sean Cleary commented. “It was a storybook ending because we had never done it before, but there is always room for improvement.”

Two days prior to the NCAA Championship, the Mountaineers posted a strong performance at the ECAC Women’s Cross Country Championship, at Van Cortland Park, in the Bronx, N.Y. There, senior captain Alison Spiker led the team as she finished 17th (18:30), while teammate, redshirt-junior Karly Hamric, came in 20th (18:41).

The Mountaineers also proved themselves on a regional level as they took first at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Team Regional Championship

Alison Spiker

2008 SEASON REVIEW

Clara Grandt

Kaylyn Christopher

2008 Results

2009 CROSS COUNTRY

by the USTFCCCA throughout the entire season and saw a schoolon Nov. 15, at West Windsor Fields in Princeton, N.J. With 51 team best No. 5 ranking in the final poll. points, the Mountaineers had a trio of juniors finish in the top 10 and six

On top of the three all-BIG EAST, six NCAA Mid-Atlantic-Regional runners in the top 25 – qualifying them for the all-Mid-Atlantic Region and two All-American runners, Cleary earned his own honors, as he team. was named Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year. The honor marked the sec Bland led the pack in fourth (21:24), while junior Clara Grandt folond-consecutive year Cleary was given the award and the third time in lowed in sixth (21:35) and Asselin in ninth (21:46). Also placing in the his career. top 25 was freshman Ahna Lewis, who crossed the line at 22:09 for

Overall, the Mountaineers posted three first-place finishes and six 15th, followed by sophomores Kaylyn Christopher in 17th (22:14) and top-five finishes in seven team races. The lowest WVU finished was Kate Harrison in 23rd (22:26). seventh at the ECAC Championship.

In conference competition, Asselin became the first-ever Mountain Despite the high bar set by the 2007 team, the 2008 squad cataeer to earn the individual title at the BIG EAST Championship on Oct. pulted into the national spotlight, setting an even higher bar for 2009.

31. WVU raced to an overall second-place finish, as Asselin finished first However, with a talented group of runners returning, including Asselin, (20:10) and Grandt came in third (20:29). Bland also raced well as she Bland and Grandt, the Mountaineers are hungry for even more. finished fourth (20:32), putting three Mountaineers in the top 10.

“The team ran well when it mattered and that is a tremendous

Villanova took first place with 40 points, as it had four runners in the compliment to them.” Cleary added. “They got it done when it mattered top 10, including Frances Koons, who finished second (20:13) behind the most, and that is all I could ever ask for.”

Asselin. The Mountaineers earned second with 48 points, followed by Georgetown (74), Providence (123) and Syracuse (129).

“We ran a very good race at the BIG EAST Championship, and with the history of our sport, our conference is Date Opponent Top Finisher Results one of the best in the country.” Cleary said. “We had a great Aug. 30..........at Preston Relays.................................. Lewis, 17:32.80.............. Individual meet and on a different day, we might have beaten VillaSept. 6...........WVU Invitational . ................................. Asselin, 14:24................ Individual nova. I’m very pleased with how our girls preformed.”

Sept. 13.........at Princeton Invitational......................... Lewis, 21:53.10...............4th place

The Mountaineers were ranked in the regional ranking’s Oct. 3.............at Paul Short Invitational....................... Asselin, 19:38................. 1st place top three all season, taking the No. 2 slot first on Sept. 15, Oct. 17...........at Penn State National Invitational........ Bland, 20:11.................... 1st place after the Mountaineers finished in fourth at the Old Nassau Oct. 31...........at BIG EAST Championship.................. Asselin, 20:10................2nd place Run, hosted by Princeton University. They continued to stay Nov. 15..........at NCAA Regional................................. Bland, 21:24.................... 1st place at the No. 2 spot for six-consecutive weeks and remained at Nov. 22..........at ECAC Championship........................ Spiker, 18:30...................7th place No. 3 for the rest of the season.

Nov. 24..........at NCAA Championship......................... Bland, 20:20....................4th place

Nationally, the Mountaineers were ranked in the top 10

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2008 MEET-BY-MEET BREAKDOWN Preston Relays, Aug. 30: Kingwood, W.Va.

WVU opened its 2008 season with a victory at the Preston Relays on Aug. 30, as the Mountaineers claimed the top four individual finishes and the top combined time. Redshirt freshman Ahna Lewis crossed the line first at 17:32.80, while junior Karly Hamric finished second at 18:12.50. The duo’s combined time of 35:45.50 topped all other combined teams from West Virginia Wesleyan, Alderson Broaddus and Davis and Elkins. Redshirt freshman Stephanie Caruso also raced well, finishing third (18:14.00), while sophomore Brooke Boening crossed the line fourth (18:58.30).

WVU Invitational Gold-Blue Meet, Sept. 6: Morgantown, W.Va.

Three Mountaineers broke the WVU home-course record at the intrasquad Gold-Blue Race, held at the WVU Agronomy Farm. Juniors Marie-Louise Asselin and Kaylyn Christopher and Lewis all ran record times.

Asselin’s time of 14:24 broke the previous course record of 15:19 set by Christopher and Kate Harrison in 2007. Lewis finished in 15:07, while Christopher beat her personal and course-best time of 15:19, crossing the finish line at 15:17.

2009 CROSS COUNTRY

Princeton Invitational, Old Nassau Run, Sept. 13: Princeton, N.J.

Lewis was the first collegiate runner, second runner overall, to cross the finish line with a time of 21:53.10 in the Old Nassau Run, at Princeton.

The Mountaineers finished in fourth place with 129 points.

Alison Spiker came in 22nd (23:03.60), followed by Caruso (23:26.70) who finished 27th. Karly Hamric was 47th (24:06.40), followed by sophomores Boening at 49th (24:10.80), Jamie Cokely at 110th (26:36.00) and Erica Arthurs who came in 132nd (28:19.90).

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Paul Short Invitational, Oct. 3: Bethlehem, Pa.

Asselin set a meet and course record with a time of 19:38 at the Paul Short Invitational to lead No. 9 West Virginia to a first-place showing. WVU finished with 47 total points to top BIG EAST rival Villanova, which placed second with 78 points.

Asselin’s finish broke the meet record by 21 seconds, previously set by last season’s NCAA champion, Sally Kipyego of Texas Tech. Asselin also broke the course record, which was set by Georgetown’s Melissa Grelli (19:50). Redshirt junior Clara Grandt finished fifth (20:09) followed by junior Keri Bland (20:22) in ninth, Lewis (20:49) in 15th and Harrison (20:53) in 17th, to place five Mountaineers in the top 20 out of 301 runners. Christopher finished 38th with a time of 21:24, while Spiker (21:56) finished 82nd.

Penn State National Invitational, Oct. 17: University Park, Pa.

Four WVU runners placed in the top 10 to lead the Mountaineers to a first-place finish at the Penn State National Invitational. Bland finished second with a time of 20:11, while Grandt (20:17) came in third out of 300 runners. Bland’s showing was the third-fastest at the course, while Grandt’s time was the fifth-best. Lewis finished in eighth place (20:56), followed by sophomore Christopher, who placed ninth (20:59), giving the Mountaineers their third first-place finish in four meets. No. 7 WVU finished 40 points in front of No. 20 Penn State (83), No. 25 Wake Forest (136), No. 28 Duke (154) and Tennessee (162).

BIG EAST Championship, Oct. 31: Bronx, N.Y.

Asselin finished first at the BIG EAST Cross Country Championship, held at Van Cortlandt Park in Bronx, N.Y., to lead WVU to a second-place finish. Asselin finished with a time of 20:10, followed by Grandt, who placed third with a time of 20:29. Bland finished fourth with a time of 20:32 to place three Mountaineers in the top 10.

Villanova took first place with 40 points and had four runners in the top 10, including Frances Koons, who took second place with a time of 20:13.

The Mountaineers finished second with 48 points, while Georgetown (74) followed in third, Providence (123) in fourth and Syracuse (129) in fifth.

Asselin became the first BIG EAST Women’s cross country individual champion in West Virginia history. Asselin, Grandt and Bland were all named to the all-BIG EAST team, which included the top-15 finishers.

NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regionals, Nov. 15: Princeton, N.J.

The West Virginia University cross country team won the NCAA MidAtlantic Regional Championship at West Windsor Fields in Princeton, N.J. WVU earned 51 points to tie Princeton, while six Mountaineers were named to the all-Mid-Atlantic Region Team, the most ever in school history.

The Mountaineers had a trio of juniors finish in the top 10 and six runners in the top 25. Bland finished in fourth at 21:24, followed by Grandt (21:35) in sixth and Asselin in ninth place (21:46).

Lewis crossed the line at 22:09 in 15th place, followed by Christopher in 17th (22:14) and Harrison in 23rd (22:26). Sophomore Jessica O’Connell placed 33rd with a time of 22:53.

The top 25 overall finishers were automatically named to the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Region Team.

ECAC Championship, Nov. 22: Bronx, N.Y.

The West Virginia University cross country team placed seventh at the ECAC Women’s Cross Country Championship, held at Van Cortlandt Park, in the Bronx, N.Y.

Spiker finished in 17th place (18:30), followed by Karly Hamric (18:41) in 20th place. Boening crossed the line at 18:58 to take 34th place, followed by r Caruso (19:15) in 52nd, Cokeley (19:53) in 77th, Davis (20:38) in 90th and Arthurs (21:58) in 97th.

Cornell won the ECAC title with a score of 67. Harvard (79) finished second, followed by William & Mary (87) in third, James Madison (107) in fourth and Maryland (114) in fifth place. BIG EAST foe Georgetown (181) placed sixth, followed by seventh-place West Virginia (187), Delaware (188), Duke (203) and Yale (234) to round out the top 10. Harvard senior Nicole Cochran took first place with a time of 18:04.

NCAA Championship, Nov. 24: Terre Haute, Ind.

The West Virginia University cross country team finished in fourth place at the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championship in Terre Haute, Ind., marking the highest-ever finish in school history and topping 2007’s ninthplace finish.

Bland led the team and finished 14th with a time of 20:20, while Asselin took 17th with a time of 20:27. With their top-40 individual finishes, Bland and Asselin earned All-America honors for the second-consecutive year.

The Mountaineers took fourth with 198 points. Washington took first (79), followed by Oregon (131) and Florida State (163). WVU edged MidAtlantic foe Princeton, by 22 points, as the Tigers finished in fifth place with 220 points.

Grandt placed 42nd with a time of 20:44. Harrison finished 69th (20:58), followed by Christopher (21:17) in 110th place. O’Connell placed 160th with a time of 21:41, while Lewis placed 163rd (21:42).

RECORD BOOK

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mountaineer records

NCAA HONORS All-Americans Marie-Louise Asselin Keri Bland Megan Metcalfe Charity Wachera

Division I District II Coaching Staff of the Year Martin Pushkin/Sean Cleary 1995, 1997, 2000 Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year Sean Cleary 2004, 2007, 2008 NCAA Mid-Atlantic Team Champions 2004, 2008 NCAA All-Mid-Atlantic Champion Megan Metcalfe

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2007, 2008 2007, 2008 2002, 2004 1997

2002

NCAA All-Mid-Atlantic Region Ahna Lewis 2008 Kate Harrison 2008 Kayla Christopher 2008 Clara Grandt 2007, 2008 Marie-Louise Asselin 2006, 2007, 2008 Keri Bland 2006, 2007, 2008

Susan Davis Jennifer Davis Tara Struyk Megan Metcalfe Merissa Sexsmith Rebecca Stallwood Karin Lockhart Kate Vermeulen Charity Wachera Nancy Knapp Francine Darroch

2004, 2005 2004 2002, 2003, 2004 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004 1999, 2000 1999, 2000 1998, 2000 1998 1998 1998 1998

NCAA Woman of the Year Rebecca Stallwood

BIG EAST Team Champions WVU

2007

BIG EAST Freshman of the Year Megan Metcalfe

2000

BIG EAST Women’s Cross Country Individual Champion Marie-Louise Asselin

2008

BIG EAST Scholar-Athlete of the Year Charity Wachera 1997

NCAA Team Qualifiers 1997, 2000, 2004, 2007, 2008 Individual NCAA Qualifiers Susan Davis Megan Metcalfe Tara Struyk Merissa Sexsmith Rebecca Stallwood Kate Vermeulen Charity Wachera Vicki Stum

CONFERENCE HONORS

2005 2002, 2003 2003 1999 1999 1998 1995, 1997 1990

2001

All-BIG EAST Marie-Louise Asselin 2007, 2008 Keri Bland 2007, 2008 Clara Grandt 2007, 2008 Susan Davis 2005 Tara Struyk 2002, 2003 Megan Metcalfe 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004 Rebecca Stallwood 1999, 2000 Merissa Sexsmith 1999 Charity Wachera 1997

RECORD BOOK/ALL-AMERICANS Atlantic 10 Team Champions WVU

1994

Atlantic 10 Individual Champions Vicki Stum

1991

Atlantic 10 Freshman of the Year Charity Wachera Heather Bury

1994 1993

All-Atlantic 10 1994

1993

1992 1991

1990

Charity Wachera, 2nd; Carisa Brown, 5th; Heather Bury, 7th; Kerryn Davidson, 10th Kerryn Davidson 3rd; Heather Bury, 5th Kerryn Davidson, 9th Vicki Stum, 1st; Erin O’Reilly, 3rd Vicki Stum, 3rd

Charity Wachera was one of WVU’s best distance runners during her career. The Nairobi, Kenya, native earned All-America honors in the 10,000 meters with a sixth place finish (34:29.64) at the 1998 NCAA outdoor championship. She also set two school records during her tenure. She ran a 16:27.27 in the 5,000 meters and a 34:24.00 in the 10,000 meters during the 1998 outdoor track season. Her mark in the 10,000m still stands today, while her mark in the 5,000m was broken by fellow All-American Rebecca Stallwood in 2001. Wachera is one of only four West Virginia athletes to ever earn All-American status in two different sports. In 1997, Wachera finished 11th with a time of 17:00 to become WVU’s first female cross country All-American.

Charity Wachera • 1998 All-American

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Megan Metcalfe • 2002, 2004 All-American

Megan Metcalfe, a nine-time All-American, is the most prolific distance runner in Mountaineer women’s track & field history and the first Mountaineer to achieve two All-America honors in cross country.

The Edmonton, Alberta, native earned her first All-America accolade as a member of the 2001 distance medley relay team, which finished in eighth place. Metcalfe’s second All-America award, and first individual, came with a third-place finish in the 3,000m at the 2002 NCAA outdoor championships in a WVU record time of 9:09.95. Also an outstanding cross country runner, Metcalfe was named the 2000 BIG EAST Freshman of the Year. Her third All-America honor came with a ninth-place finish at the 2002 NCAA cross country championships, making her just the second female cross country All-American in school history and only the fourth Mountaineer to earn All-America honors in two sports. She earned her fourth and fifth All-America accolades in 2003 by finishing fourth in the 3,000-meters at the indoor championships and was a part of the school-record setting distance medley relay team in that same meet. Her sixth and seventh awards came in March, 2004, when she was fifth in the 3,000-meters and again was a member of the DMR team. Metcalfe’s eighth and schoolrecord winning All-America honor came at the 2004 NCAA Cross Country Championships where she recorded a 16th place overall finish. Metcalfe capped off her brilliant career with a ninth All-America honor and a national championship when she won the 5,000-meters at the 2005 NCAA outdoor championships. She also competed at the World Cross Country Championships twice during her tenure at WVU and competed at the World University Games in Turkey.

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ALL-AMERICANS

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Marie-Louise Asselin • 2007-08 All-American

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Keri Bland • 2007-08 All-American

Marie-Louise Asselin led WVU to its most successful season in school history in 2008 as the Mountaineers took a historic fourth-place finish at the NCAA Championship, first at the NCAA All-Mid-Atlantic Regionals and second at the BIG EAST Championship. Asselin became the first BIG EAST Women’s Cross Country Individual Champion in 2008 as she took the top spot with a time of 20:10. She then placed 17th at the NCAA Championship race with a time of 20:27 to earn her second consecutive All-American honor. She earned her first All-American title in 2007 as the Mountaineers captured their first BIG EAST Championship and finished ninth in the country. The Sarnia, Ontario, native was just a sophomore at the time, but became WVU’s third All-American in the sport when she finished 17th(14th in the team standings) with a time of 20:39 at the 2007 NCAA Championship in the Terre Haute, Ind. It was a fitting ending to what was an outstanding season that saw her post the team’s highest finish in the final five meets. Asselin showed glimpses of her abilities just weeks earlier at the BIG EAST Championship where she took second and at the NCAA MidAtlantic Regional race, where she placed third in leading her team to a second-place finish. Asselin, an all-BIG EAST and all-Mid-Atlantic region selection, was joined by fellow sophomore Keri Bland as an All-American, marking the first time in program history that two teammates earned that honor in the same season. In the 2008 indoor season, Asselin went on to place seventh in the 3,000-meter to earn All-America honors and was on the All-America distance medley relay team that took fourth at nationals.

Keri Bland, a two time All-American, was an essential part of the Mountaineers team in 2008, when she led WVU to its most successful season in school history as the Mountaineers fourth place at the NCAA Championship, first at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regionals and second at the BIG EAST Championship. The Fairview, W.Va., native was the first Mountaineers to finish at the NCAA Championship where she finished 14th with a time of 20:20.

As a sophomore, Bland and teammate Marie-Louise Asselin helped guide the Mountaineers to their first conference title and the highest finish at nationals in school history (ninth) in 2007. At nationals, Bland was the second Mountaineer to cross the line in 23rd at 20:58. The Fairview, W.Va., native, along with Asselin, was named a first team All-American, marking the first time WVU’s cross country program had multiple All-Americans in the same year. Bland earned all-BIG EAST and all-Mid-Atlantic region accolades during the season after finishing fourth and seventh, respectively, in those races. In the 2008 indoor track season, Bland was apart of the AllAmerica distance medley team that set a school record and placed fourth in the country. She finished the 2008 outdoor season by earning All-America honors in the 1,500-meters to become the first female in WVU history to earn All-America honors in three sports in the same year.

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY

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State’s Flagship Institution

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WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY

The State’s Flagship University

Located in Morgantown, WVU’s main campus is within easy traveling distance of the metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh, Pa., about 70 miles to the north, and Baltimore and Washington, D.C., about 200 miles to the east. Morgantown itself is a comfortably sized community of more than 50,000, including WVU students. Recently, national media outlets such as CNBC have spotlighted Morgantown as an oasis of economic strength in the midst of a global recession.

Careerbuilder.com ranked the city as one of the “25 Best Cities to Find a Job.”

In recent years, Morgantown has earned many other accolades. The city was named the No. 1 one small city in America by BizJournals.com and the best small city in the East by Prometheus Publications. Forbes magazine named Morgantown the nation’s 5th “Best Small Metro,” and Inc., an online entrepreneurial website and magazine, ranked it 15th in “Overall Best Cities.”

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine listed it 29th among “50 Smart Places to Live.” Recreational and job opportunities were among the factors Men’s Journal cited in naming Morgantown the nation’s third-best small city. A parenting magazine ranked Monongalia County as having one of the country’s top 100 school districts. And WVU’s campus offers one of the nation’s safest college environments—Reader’s Digest ranked it 18th among 135 U.S. colleges and universities and gave WVU an A for its strong commitment to safety.

WVU’s main Morgantown location includes three distinct campuses — Downtown, Evansdale and the Health Sciences campus. The Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system—named top people-mover in the nation — has shuttled people among the campuses since the U.S. Department of Transportation built it 30 years ago. WVU was named one of the nation’s “Best Workplaces for Commuters” for its innovative and effective transportation services for employees and students.

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West Virginia University is a leading 21st century land-grant institution that is improving people’s lives through teaching, discovery and outreach.

The University’s top priority is education. Here, teaching means much more than lecturing. WVU faculty are mentors who engage and involve students through service learning projects, hands-on research, the newest technology, study-abroad programs and innovative curricula. Students emerge from WVU with a broad liberal arts education and a thorough preparation for successful careers.

Fall 2008 student enrollment on the main campus was 28,840, the highest in WVU history. And beyond record numbers, the incoming freshman class continued a pattern of increasingly high academic credentials.

WVU offers 185 degree programs from the bachelor’s through the doctoral and first-professional levels. In 2007-08, WVU awarded 5,806 degrees.

The University offers a wide array of majors, including a highly competitive doctoral program in physical therapy, the nation’s first entirely web-based integrated marketing communications master’s degree, and high quality engineering, education, business, agriculture, creative arts, and journalism programs.

A partnership with the FBI created the world’s first university-level degree program in forensic and investigative science. Students study the biology and chemistry of crime-fighting and prepare to create technologies that enhance safety in an ever more dangerous world.

The schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing and pharmacy offer a wide range of health science programs at the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center. WVU is also home to the state’s only law school.

WVU students receive more than $215 million a year in grants, loans, work study, fee waivers and scholarships. Awards are based on financial need and academic ability. About 70 percent of WVU undergraduates receive some financial aid; almost half of the aid given to resident undergraduates is as grants and scholarships.

Donors to WVU have contributed to the institution’s growing national stature. In the past year, the WVU Foundation disbursed over $43 million on behalf of the University, and over the past 10 years, it has provided WVU over $360 million in direct support. The Foundation’s assets are in excess of $700 million and its endowment is in excess of $310 million.

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WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY

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The University strives constantly to improve its facilities to offer students a top-notch living and learning experience.

Several buildings on the Downtown Campus have recently undergone complete renovations to meet the educational needs of 21st century learners. Colson Hall now houses the Department of English.

A $28 million renovation turned Brooks Hall into an environmentally friendly “green building” that houses the Department of Geology and Geography. Oglebay Hall, one of ten campus buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, underwent a $23 million renovation to become a state-of-the-art home to WVU’s Forensic and Investigative Science Program. A new lecture hall, Ming Hsieh Hall, opened adjacent to Oglebay.

Cutting-edge learning tools also await students at the Downtown Campus Library. Group viewing rooms with large plasma screens and wireless keyboards enable students to craft team presentations or watch assigned films on DVD. At other study areas, powerful PCs offer blazing Internet connections. The library also provides laptops with wireless Internet connections for use throughout the building.

In the Life Sciences Building, psychology and biology students learn in sophisticated research labs and multimedia-equipped lecture halls. The building houses a computer lab, therapy and observation rooms and a greenhouse.

To help students maintain physical and mental health, the Student Recreation Center offers a six-lane lap pool and a warmer leisure pool; a 20-person whirlpool; seven courts for basketball, volleyball, and badminton; fitness machines and free weights covering 17,000 square feet; and a 50-foot climbing wall.

In 2006, Lincoln Hall opened as WVU’s first residence hall to operate on an innovative residential college model. Another new residence hall is opening this summer to house high achieving students who participate in the WVU Honors College.

Not all WVU students are in Morgantown. Potomac State College in Keyser and WVU Institute of Technology in Montgomery are divisions of WVU. The WVU Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center has divisions in Charleston and Martinsburg.

WVU offers many online courses and degree programs for students and professionals around the world.

Exceptional Faculty and Students

The WVU community takes pride in its top-notch faculty. Many are nationally and internationally recognized experts in their fields. In the past 19 years, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has honored 16 WVU faculty as West Virginia Professors of the Year. Eight WVU faculty have been named Professor of the Year by the Faculty Merit Foundation, and University faculty consistently win Fulbright grants that provide teaching and research opportunities around the globe.

The work of outstanding teachers is reflected in students’ accomplishments. WVU has produced 25 Rhodes Scholars. Many students have received other prestigious scholarships; WVU students have received 20 Truman Scholarships, 32 Goldwater Scholarships, two Udall Scholarships and two Marshall Scholarships. In 2006, a WVU student was the only person in the nation to win the Goldwater and the Truman awards; in 2009, a previous WVU Truman Scholarship winner received the Goldwater Scholarship and placement on USA Today’s All-USA College Academic First Team. WVU is a Truman Honor Institution — only 17 schools earned that distinction in 1996, the inaugural year.

WVU students are nurtured and challenged. The University Honors College involves about 1,400 students each year. WVU’s commitment to students does not focus solely on the high achiever, however. The University supports all students by continually improving the libraries, providing learning centers, computer labs, health service, a counseling center, a disabilities office, a career planning and placement center and an array of other student services.

The Center for Civic Engagement helps students help others while growing intellectually through service-learning projects and trips.

WVU offers a comprehensive First-Year Experience to help students adjust to college life. Advising, entertainment, and some classes take place in the residence halls, and faculty mentors live next door to help students make the most of their WVU experience.

The Adventure WV Program is an outdoor orientation for firstyear students at WVU. It offers participants challenging and exciting experiences and opportunities to learn about themselves, future classmates, WVU, and West Virginia.

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY

A ceremony welcomes freshmen to campus each fall and introduces them to the University’s academic opportunities. The campus also celebrates the start of the academic year with FallFest, a major concert and activities that include film festivals, comedy acts, and more. WVUp All Night offers students free refreshments and safe, fun weekend activities.

The unique Mountaineer Parents Club, which has chapters throughout West Virginia and across the nation, connects parents with campus life and provides support and encouragement to students.

The club currently involves more than 20,000 families. A toll-free helpline (1-800-WVU-0096) enables parents to seek information or share compliments, suggestions and concerns.

To enhance campus life, the University secures a wide range of entertainment — big-name concerts and lecturers, films, cultural events, art exhibits and special events such as Homecoming, Mountaineer Week (a tribute to Appalachian culture), and Fall Family Weekend. Many events, such as the Festival of Ideas lecture series, expose students to a rich diversity of cultures, theories and ideas.

And, with more than 300 student organizations flourishing — including academic, service, political, religious and recreational groups — every student has a chance for extracurricular involvement.

A unique student athletic boosters club, the Mountaineer Maniacs, supports 17 varsity sports programs. An award-winning marching band, some 325 members strong, is a source of pride statewide.

WVU is committed to promoting diversity on campus and protecting the rights of all people to benefit from WVU educational opportunities. oneWVU is an initiative that draws upon the popularity of WVU athletics to raise awareness about diversity.

Serving the State

Sharing WVU knowledge with state citizens and the nation is a major component of the land-grant mission.

For nearly 100 years, West Virginians have trusted their WVU Extension Service agents to be their local source of reliable and timely information. Working with more than 336,000 youths and adults each year, WVU’s Extension Service helps people improve their lives in all 55 counties of West Virginia.

With an office in each county, WVU Extension faculty and staff are nurturing learning partnerships with families, businesses and local organizations. These partnerships bring results. Families live healthier, more satisfying lives; youths who “learn by doing” in 4-H develop leadership skills; farmers and others use resources more wisely; local firefighters and first-responders employ the latest rescue techniques; and citizens revitalize their communities.

The four Health Sciences schools at WVU train hundreds of West Virginians to serve as doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and health technicians. All Health Sciences students have access to the high-tech facilities on campus and participate in educational experiences in rural and urban areas of West Virginia.

WVU’s health professionals serve more than a quarter-million people each year, at three medical campuses in Morgantown, Charleston and the Eastern Panhandle. In Morgantown, the WVU Hospitals complex includes a children’s hospital, a psychiatric hospital, a trauma center, a cancer center and the state’s most advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities. The WVU Eye Institute provides the entire state with vision-related health services.

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Creating New Knowledge

Since its founding in 1867 as a land-grant institution, WVU has developed into the state’s flagship research university. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classified WVU as a Research University (High Research Activity). University faculty members secure $141 million annually in sponsored contracts and research grants.

WVU faculty members are studying gene mapping, developing new anti-cancer and anti-diabetic drugs, helping forensic investigators solve crimes, creating better materials for building bridges and conducting other cutting-edge research to help improve people’s lives.

The state of West Virginia has created a Research Trust Fund to leverage public and private investments that will transform West Virginia’s economy. WVU will be able to tap into this fund to double private gifts that support research in key areas linked to economic development, health care and job growth. WVU is focusing its efforts on research in energy, health and biomedical sciences and security and intelligence.

WVU, historically a leader in energy research, is poised to help our nation become energy independent and more environmentally responsible. Through the University’s new Advanced Energy Initiative, more than 100 skilled faculty members are performing research on issues such clean power generation, innovative coal extraction technology, and high efficiency engine and vehicle technology. They have executed nearly $100 million in energy-related research during the past four years alone.

Researchers at WVU’s Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center contribute to the health of the state and the world through cuttingedge projects that are focused on areas of health that are especially important to West Virginia. WVU is also the home of the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, dedicated to the study of Alzheimer’s and other diseases that affect the brain.

The University’s international leadership in biometrics led the FBI to name WVU its lead academic partner in biometrics research. Besides having worldwide significance on security issues, this partnership provides WVU students with an academic opportunity unmatched at any other institution in the United States.

At WVU today, there are more than 60 specialized research centers and institutes.

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WVU PRESIDENT JAMES P. CLEMENTS

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james p. clements

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Dr. Jim Clements with former Mountaineer great and College football Hall of Fame Inductee Major Harris.

James P. Clements, West Virginia University’s 23rd president, has successfully proven that universities can engage with society to solve problems. Throughout his extensive higher education career, he has built lasting partnerships that have created meaningful results.

Dr. Clements has great enthusiasm for the future of WVU. He envisions WVU as a 21st century land-grant institution providing innovative academic and student life programs, technologically advanced research, and community service that benefits West Virginians through strategic partnerships with business, industry, government and other organizations.

Before joining the Mountaineer family, Dr. Clements served as provost and vice president for Towson University, the second largest public university in Maryland. Under his leadership, Towson developed academic and student support programs that led to impressive increases in enrollment as well as in retention and graduation rates.

Towson’s externally-funded research increased by 36 percent during Dr. Clements’ tenure as provost.

Prior to becoming provost, Dr. Clements served as Towson’s vice president for economic and community outreach.

During his tenure in this role, Towson became a National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and forged several strategic partnerships in the homeland security arena.

WVU’s Presidents Alexander Martin.....................................1867-75 John R. Thompson..................................1876-81 William Lyne Wilson................................1882-83 Eli Marsh Turner.....................................1884-93 P.B. Reynolds *.......................................1893-95 James L. Goodknight..............................1895-97 Jerome Hall Raymond........................1897-1901 Daniel B. Purinton...................................1901-11 Thomas E. Hodges.................................1911-14 Frank Butler Trotter.................................1914-27 John R. Turner........................................1928-34 Robert Allen Armstrong *........................1934-35 Chaunsey S. Boucher.............................1935-38 Charles E. Lawall....................................1938-45 Irvin Stewart............................................1946-59 Elvis Jacon Stahr Jr................................1959-61 Clyde Lemuel Colson *...........................1961-62 Paul Ausborn Miller.................................1962-66 James G. Harlow....................................1967-77 Gene Arthur Budig..................................1977-81 Harry B. Heflin.............................................1981 E. Gordon Gee........................................1981-85 Diane L. Reinhard *................................1985-86 Neil S. Bucklew.......................................1986-95 David C. Hardesty Jr...........................1995-2007 Michael S. Garrison................................2007-08 C. Peter Magrath *..................................2008-09 James P. Clements.....................................2009* acting

The university also launched a business incubator to attract international business to its region; created organizations for regional business and technology leaders that provided networking opportunities for professionals and scholarships and mentoring for students; became the headquarters for the Coalition of Urban & Metropolitan Universities; and secured a grant to establish an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute on campus.

Altogether, he helped Towson secure more than $50 million in external funding during a four-year period.

With a background in computer science, Dr. Clements also brings technological savvy to his role as president. He has a B.S. in computer science and an M.S. and Ph.D. in operations analysis from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, as well as an M.S. in computer science from Johns Hopkins University. His project management textbook, in its fourth edition, is used in more than 20 countries and is published in four languages.

At Towson, he began his career as a visiting assistant professor, eventually rising to professor and chair for the Department of Computer & Information Sciences. In 2002 he was named the Robert W. Deutsch Distinguished Professor of Information Technology.

He is married to Beth Clements, and they have four children – Tyler, 17; twin daughters Hannah and Maggie, 14; and Grace, 9.

ed pastilong

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS ED PASTILONG

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It is truly a great time to be a Mountaineer.

Just ask West Virginia University Director of Athletics Ed Pastilong. Never has total athletic success befallen Morgantown quite like it has over the last six years. And it’s all happened under Pastilong’s watch.

During his 20-year tenure, Pastilong has spearheaded WVU’s growth into one of the nation’s finest athletic departments on and off the playing fields as it competes in 17 varsity sports.

He’s done this through leadership efforts in meeting the demands of running a top-tier organizaThe Pastilong Family – Front row (left to right): Michael and Nick DeFelice, tion by keeping up with the times. His vision has Mona and Ed Pastilong, Shawn and Ryan Richter. Back row (left to right): Kim and Anthony DeFelice, Amy and Pat Richter helped guide, mold and shape the student-athlete experience into a positive one here at WVU teams being involved in Breast Cancer Awareness through national through a successful, across-the-board, total athletic program.

“Think Pink” initiatives. Other varsity sports volunteer their time at lo During his tenure, Pastilong has spearheaded more than $65 cal elementary schools’ read-a-louds and at other various community million in facility renovations, witnessed the department’s budget service initiatives. increase from $20 million to more than $40 million, steered WVU into

There’s no doubt that West Virginia University is currently expethe BIG EAST football conference in 1991 and into full-fledged memriencing a Golden Era. With great leadership, tremendous insight and ber status in the league in 1995. He also initiated the Athletic Direca heartwarming personality, Ed Pastilong can proudly claim it all haptor’s Academic Honor Roll, where more than 4,000 student-athletes pened on his watch. have been recognized for outstanding work in the classroom, and the

Pastilong joined the athletic department as football recruiting coorWVU sports Hall of Fame, where 120 former Mountaineers have been dinator in 1976 and two years later became its scholarship officer. so honored.

In 1979, he was named assistant athletic director for facilities

The facility upgrades and capital improvements alone have been and operations. He spearheaded the planning and management of all staggering. Since 1989, WVU has made tremendous strides to its home athletic contests, as well as the scheduling and the maintenance football facility, Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Suites to of the Coliseum and stadium; Pastilong was also on the board for the three sides of the stadium, Touchdown Terrace, the Caperton Indoor planning and building of Mountaineer Field. He remained director of Practice Facility, new locker rooms, the Reynolds Family Academic athletic facilities until his promotion to associate athletic director in Center and the Donald J. Brohard Hall of Traditions highlight the mak1987. ing of WVU’s football facility into one of the nation’s finest.

Prior to West Virginia, Pastilong served football coaching stints at

Other facility improvements under Pastilong’s tenure include renScott High in Madison, W.Va., and at Salem College, where he tutored ovations to the WVU Coliseum and Hawley Field and the construction the Tigers from 1969-75, winning more games than any other West of Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium, Cary Gym for Mountaineer Gymnastics Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference team during that period. and a state-of-the-art wrestling facility. And a new basketball practice He was also the school’s dean of health and physical education from facility is on the horizon in the near future.

1972-75.

On the playing fields, the last six years have arguably been the

He received his bachelor’s degree from WVU in physical most successful in the history of West Virginia University athletics. As education in 1966, and later earned a master’s degree from WVU. As proof, look no farther than WVU’s No. 30 national ranking in the U.S. a Mountaineer player, Pastilong lettered in 1964 and 1965, completing Sports Academy Director’s Cup, the school’s best-ever finish in 2008.

37 of 115 passes for 728 yards and six touchdowns.

Success hasn’t just been limited to on the field, either, as

Pastilong and his wife, Mona, have two daughters – Kim DeFelice community service has also been at the forefront of WVU’s recent and her husband, Anthony, and Amy Richter and her husband, Pat, successes. All of WVU’s sports are involved in various levels of and four grandsons, Michael and Nick DeFelice and Ryan and Shawn community service from the football team and its affiliation with the Richter.

WVU Children’s Hospital to the women’s basketball and gymnastics

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MOUNTAINEER EXCELLENCE First Team All-Americans Marie Louise-Asselin, Cross Country Keri Bland, Cross Country Carolyn Blank, Women’s Soccer Brandi Eskew, NRA Clara Grandt, Outdoor Track Andy Lamson, NRA Kyle Smith, NRA Bryant Wallizer, NRA Pat White, Playboy National Champions Rifle Team Conference Champions Kayla Andrews, Swimming Marie Louise-Asselin, Cross Country Women’s Soccer, American Division Champions Morgan Callaway. Swimmer Lindsey Largo, Swimming Michael Walker, Swimming Kurt Brenner (174), Wrestling Meghan Morris, Gymnastics Shelly Purkat, Gymnastics Chelsi Tabor, Gymnastics Tina Maloney, Gymnastics

2009 CROSS COUNTRY

ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American First Team Alex Ruoff ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American Second Team Doug Slavonic ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American Third Team Marie-Louise Asselin Andy Lamson

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Pat White was a second round NFL draft pick by the Miami Dolphins

ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team Marie-Louise Asselin, Cross Country/Track Andy Lamson, Rifle Liz Repella, Women’s Basketball Alex Ruoff, Men’s Basketball Doug Slavonic, Football Ryan Stanchek, Football ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-District Second Team Keri Bland, Cross Country/Track Deana Everett, Women’s Soccer Robin Rushton, Women’s Soccer Major Award Winners Keri Bland, Women’s Indoor Track, BIG EAST Most Outstanding

Performer Carolyn Blank, Women’s Soccer, BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year,

BIG EAST All-Tournament Team Morgan Callaway, Women’s Swimming, BIG EAST Most Outstanding

Performer Jedd Gyorko, NCBWA District II Player of the Year Erica Henderson, BIG EAST All-Tournament Team Zach Johnson, Men’s Soccer, BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year Pat McAfee, Ray Guy Award National Finalist Sarah Miles, BIG EAST Most Improved Player Mehgan Morris, EAGL Outstanding Senior Gymnast Alex Ruoff, BIG EAST Sportsmanship Award and BIG EAST Men’s Basketball Scholar Athlete of the Year Pat White, Meineke Car Care Bowl and Senior Bowl MVP All-BIG EAST Alexandra Acker, Track and Field Kayla Andrews, Swimming and Diving Marie-Louise Asselin, Cross Country Greer Barnes, Women’s Soccer Vince Belnome, Baseball Scooter Berry, Football Keri Bland, Cross Country, Track and Field Carolyn Blank, Women’s Soccer and all-tournament Payton Brooks, Swimming and Diving Da’Sean Butler, Men’s Basketball Morgan Callaway, Swimming and Diving Chelsea Carrier, Track and Field Kaylin Christoper, Track and Field Amanda Cicchini, Women’s Soccer Mike Dent, Football Noel Devine, Football Dan DiBartolomeo, Baseball Devin Ebanks, Men’s Basketball Chris Enourato, Baseball Deanna Everett, Women’s Soccer George Farquhar, Swimming and Diving Takisha Granberry, Women’s Basketball Clara Grandt, Cross Country Billy Gross, Baseball Jedd Gyorko, Baseball Kate Harrison, Track and Field Erica Henderson, Women’s Soccer (all-tournament) Mortty Ivy, Football Zach Johnson, Men’s Soccer Sarah Kosmak, Swimming and Diving Ellis Lankster, Football Lindsey Largo, Swimming and Diving Austin Markel, Baseball and all-tournament Pablo Marmolejo, Swimming and Diving Gift Maworere, Men’s Soccer Pat McAfee, Football (Punter and Kicker) Blake Miller, Women’s Soccer Megan Mischler, Women’s Soccer Maritza Paredes, Swimming and Diving Justin Parks, Baseball Shaunna Purtell, Swimming and Diving

MOUNTAINEER EXCELLENCE Liz Repella, Women’s Basketball April Rotilio, Track and Field Alex Ruoff, Men’s Basketball Jock Sanders, Football Stephanie Shupe, Swimming and Diving Alison Spiker, Track and Field Ryan Stanchek, Football Tobias Streich, Baseball Jaryn Studer, Swimming and Diving Jarryd Summers, Baseball Michael Walker, Swimming and Diving Pat White, Football

All-EAGL Mehgan Morris, Gymnastics Amy Bieski, Gymnastics Naja Johnson, Gymnastics Kiersten Spoerke, Gymnastics Chelsi Tabor, Gymnastics Shelly Purkat, Gymnastics Nicole Roach, Gymnastics Emily Kerwin, Gymnastics Tina Maloney, Gymnastics

All-Mid Atlantic Marie-Louise Asselin, Cross Country Greer Barnes, Women’s Soccer Keri Bland, Cross Country Kaylyn Christoper, Cross Country Amanda Cicchini, Women’s Soccer Clara Grandt, Cross Country Caroyln Blank, Women’s Soccer Kate Harrison, Cross Country Ahna Lewis, Cross Country

All-GARC Brandi Eskew, Rifle Michael Kulbacki, Rifle Andy Lamson, Rifle Justin Pentz, Rifle Tommy Santelli, Rifle Kyle Smith, Rifle Bryant Wallizer, Rifle

ESPN College GameDay made a visit to Morgantown in 2009

Mehgan Morris finished 18th at the 2009 NCAA Championships

2009 CROSS COUNTRY

Teams Baseball – 37-18 Men’s Basketball – 23-12, NCAA Tournament Cross Country – 4th place NCAA finish Women’s Basketball – 18-15, WNIT Second Round Cross Country – 4th-place NCAA finish Football – 9-4, Meineke Car Care Bowl Champions (Final Ranking No. 23) Gymnastics – 15-8, 1 NCAA qualifier Rifle – 11-1, National Champions (Final Coaches Ranking No. 1) Rowing – 8th BIG EAST Men’s Soccer – 5-9-5 Women’s Soccer – 14-3-6, NCAA Second Round (Final Ranking No. 14) Men’s Swimming and Diving – 4-10, 4th BIG EAST Women’s Swimming – 4-11, 5th BIG EAST Tennis – 9-17 Track – 6 NCAA Indoor qualifiers, 3 NCAA Outdoor qualifiers Volleyball – 7-21 Wrestling – 8-4-2, 5 NCAA qualifiers

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ATHLETICS YEAR IN REVIEW

2009 CROSS COUNTRY

athletic success

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Excellence in Mountaineer athletics flourished yet again in 2008-09 for West Virginia University, continuing a six year run that few other periods of time in the department’s history can rival as more successful.

Rifle won its 14th NCAA Championship and first since 1998 with a comeback performance for the ages on day two of the event.

Coach Jon Hammond garnered NRA Coach the Year honors while seven Mountaineers were named All-Americans in an 11-1 season.

Cross country finished fourth at the NCAA Championships, marking its highest ever finish at the event in school history. MarieLouise Asselin and Keri Bland garnered All-America honors along the way while Asselin became WVU’s first ever individual BIG EAST champion. Six runners earned All-Mid Atlantic honors.

Football posted a 9-4 record, defeated North Carolina in the Meineke Car Care Bowl and finished in the nation’s top 25 for the fourth consecutive season. Quarterback Patrick White set 23 WVU, BIG EAST and NCAA records, ending his career as the all-time leading rushing quarterback in college football history and the first to ever win four consecutive bowl games as a starter. White earned bowl MVP honors for the third straight season and earned Senior Bowl MVP honors as well. Ten Mountaineers garnered All-BIG EAST accolades. Kicker Pat McAfee was a Ray Guy Award national finalist as well as a Walter Camp All-American with teammate Ryan Stanchek.

Alex Ruoff, Da’Sean Butler and Devin Ebanks garnered All-BIG EAST accolades in leading the men’s basketball team to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in the last five years with a 23-12 record. Ruoff garnered ESPN The Magazine All-American First Team honors as well as the BIG EAST Sportsmanship and Scholar of the Year awards.

Women’s soccer qualified for its ninth consecutive NCAA tournament and won the BIG EAST’s American Division championship with a 14-3-6 record. Greer Barnes attained All-America and All-BIG EAST honors while teammate Carolyn Blank was named the league’s Midfielder of the Year. Seven Mountaineers in all garnered All-BIG EAST honors.

Women’s basketball qualified for the postseason WNIT with an 18-15 record. Sarah Miles earned the BIG EAST’s Most Improved Award while Liz Repella and Takisha Granberry garnered All-BIG EAST Second Team accolades. The duo also became just the second set of teammates in school history to each amass 500 or more points in the same season.

Gymnastics qualified for its 26th NCAA Regional behind the senior Mehgan Morris, who was named the EAGL’s Outstanding Senior Gymnast. She was joined by eight other teammates on the all-conference list. The team posted 15-8 overall record with a remarkable 10-2 EAGL conference mark.

Outdoor track finished third at the ECAC Championships, tying a school record for the highest finish at the event in school history.

Baseball finished third in the BIG EAST, tying a school record for most regular season wins with 36. Men’s soccer player Zach Johnson was named the BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year while teammate Gift Maworere earned all-league honors.

Kurt Brenner won an EWL Championship at 174 pounds while Morgan Calloway was named the BIG EAST’s Most Outstanding Women’s Swimming Performer.

A program-best six Mountaineers qualified for the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championship while rowing and volleyball made great strides in preparing for their futures.

MEDIA INFORMATION

in the national spotlight Media Services The West Virginia University Sports Communications Office will be available throughout the entire 2009 cross country season to accommodate media requests.

Following are some guidelines that should make it easy for media members to cover the West Virginia cross country team. Any additional questions should be directed to sports communications graduate assistant Kelly Tuckwiller.

Electronic Media Services Updated game notes and statistics will be available on www.MSNsportsNET.com. Members of the media interested in coaches and player head shots and select action photos can request a photo CD from the WVU Sports Communications Office.

BIG EAST Media Services For the latest news about the BIG EAST conference visit the BIG EAST’s website at www.bigeast.org. The site contains information on all BIG EAST schools, including individual pages for every school and every sport. The following information is updated daily: • BIG EAST standings • Statistics for conference games and all games • Weekly award winners • Conference notebooks • Team-by-team statistics

Comprehensive Cross Country Coverage All news releases are posted to MSNsportsNET.com. Media can access the latest happenings of Mountaineer cross country by checking in regularly to MSNsportsNET.com’s home page or the cross country page.

Looking for information on any Mountaineer player or coach? It’s all on MSNsportsNET.com. Player and coaching staff bios are available at the click of a finger.

Game Releases Game releases are made available in PDF format on MSNsportsNET.com. This complete informational packet will be available one day prior to game day.

Game Coverage MSNsportsNET.com is the place for media and fans to go for the latest on West Virginia cross country. In 2009, streamed audio and video broadcasts will be available via MSNsportsNET.com. Live stats are also available online.

Extensive postgame coverage also can be found on MSNsportsNET.com, including game recaps, photo galleries from home matches and postgame notes.

Statistics and Records Updated following each game, MSNsportsNET.com is your place to find the latest statistics for Mountaineer volleyball. Not only will you find this season’s statistics, but you will also be able to find the WVU record book for some historical perspective.

And Much More Updated daily, MSNsportsNET.com also provides ticket information, radio and television listings, viewer surveys, trivia contests, links to other great sports sites, the BIG EAST and information on West Virginia’s 16 other varsity sports. Log on by typing in www.MSNsportsNET.com to get the latest Mountaineer news.

The attractive site offers everything for the West Virginia cross country fan. And Mountaineer fans from anywhere in the world never have to miss the big game again thanks to MSNsportsNET.com.

2009 CROSS COUNTRY

During the Week Any member of the media wishing to interview a player or member of the coaching staff during the week should speak with West Virginia volleyball contact Kelly Tuckwiller at the sports communications office via phone, (304) 293-2821, at least 24 hours in advance.

MSNsportsNET.com

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MEDIA INFORMATION

WVU Sports Communications Sports Communications The West Virginia University sports communication office is located in the WVU Coliseum near the Red Gate. The main sports communications office is Room 107 with additional offices upstairs in Room 214.

Mailing Address Sports Communications Office West Virginia University P.O. Box 0877 Morgantown, WV 26507-0877 Overnight Shipping Address Sports Communications Office West Virginia University 107 Coliseum Monongahela Blvd.

Morgantown, WV 26505 Phone Information Office: 304-293-2821 Fax: 304-293-4105

Cross Country Contact Kelly Tuckwiller Sports Communications Graduate Assistant E-Mail: Kelly.Tuckwiller@mail.wvu.edu

Sports Communications Staff Michael Fragale Assistant Athletic Director, Communications John Antonik Director of New Media Bryan Messerly Sports Information Director Mike Montoro Director of Football Communications Joe Swan Sports Publications Director Phil Caskey Associate Sports Information Director Tim Goodenow Assistant Sports Publications Director Lisa Ammons Business Manager Amy Prunty Program Assistant Cheryl Maust Program Assistant Ira Green Graduate Assistant Shannon McNamara Graduate Assistant Steve Stone Graduate Assistant Kelly Tuckwiller Graduate Assistant Tiffany Doolittle Student Assistant Grant Dovey Student Assistant

2009 CROSS COUNTRY

Directions to the WVU Agronomy Farm

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This 177-acre farm is only about three miles from the Evansdale Campus in Morgantown. Exiting I-68, take Exit 7 (Airport/Mileground). Travel East on 857/Point Marion Road and go through one stoplight (beside Exxon/Taco Bell) and head down the hill. Take the first right before the bottom of the hill, which will be Old Cheat Road. After about 600m on old Cheat Road, you’ll make a left onto Agronomy Farm Road. The farm is at the end of the road.