(PRINCETON, W.Va.)---Tight battles are expected in both races during Saturday's WVIAC Cross Country Championship hosted by Glenville State College.
West Virginia Wesleyan, which has won 14 of the past 15 titles, is the slight favorite in the women's race. The Bobcats edged Seton Hill in the final regular season women's team power ratings of the season. Alderson-Broaddus, Wheeling Jesuit, and Concord each provide threats to carry away the women's championship hardware.
Alderson-Broaddus' Ashley Teets and Wheeling Jesuit's Sarah Campanelli are the top-ranked women's individuals and the only two-time WVIAC Runners of the Week in 2009. Other top contenders include West Liberty's Kallen Weaver, West Virginia Wesleyan's Jenna Brock, Concord's Chelsea Callaway, and Seton Hill teammates Andra Sanders and Hannah Lash.
Defending champion West Virginia Wesleyan is only one part of what could be a wild and wooly battle for the men's crown. Seton Hill was a mere point ahead of Concord for the number one position in the final WVIAC men's team ratings of the season. Wheeling Jesuit also figures to be in the mix, while Alderson-Broaddus can't be counted out.
Wheeling Jesuit's Ryan Beabout holds down the top individual male runner's spot going into Saturday's conference meet. West Virginia Wesleyan's Nate Edwards and Concord's Craig Pritt should be in contention, along with the Seton Hill pair of Dominic Camasso and Mike Ortiz. Alderson-Broaddus veteran runner Ryan Skotnicki and Concord's Szymon Rola, a standout during track season in the 800m, are two more threats.
The starting gun fires at 10:00 a.m. for the women's race, while the men are slated for an 11:00 a.m. start. Junior varsity races take place on Friday afternoon.