he 1988 men's cross country team will look much like the 1987 team, because most members of last year's successful squad are returning to give MWC a strong lineup of distance runners. However, head coach Stan Soper realizes the success of the team will depend upon all of the athletes.
"Last year we had tremendous performances from many people," said Soper. "If one of our top runners had an 'off day, there was always somebody there to provide us the quality depth that made us successful last season." Soper added that the team "often talks about the disappointment of not making it to nationals (NCAA-III) after being so close," but said his harriers are psyched to improve on an '87 campaign which culminated in a first Mason-Dixon Conference title.
"Winning the conference is something that I'll always remember," said Soper. "I'm sure that this year's team will be just as hungry." The 1988 contingent will be led by three sophomores and a senior, Michael Teaster (Sr./Stafford, VA). Returning for his third and final season, Teaster brings the most experience to the team. Joining him are sophomores Colin Sullivan (Moravia, NY), Mark Micozzi (Baltimore, MD) and transfer Paul Walters (Fairfax, VA). Sullivan was the top runner for the Eagles last season, finishing first in all of their meets as well as placing 101st out of 180 at the 1987 NCAA national meet. His effort was the highest fmish by an MWC male in cross country history. Matt Malvaso (Jr./Alexandria, VA), Travis Jones (So./Warrenton, VA) and Chris Murr (So./Falls Church, VA) alsoreturn from last year's team.
Looking for spots in the top seven will be Matt Boyd (Fr./King George, VA), Richard Murr (Fr./Falls Church, VA), Scott Muscarella (Jr./Springfield, VA), Conan McDonough (Fr./Alexandria, VA), Ed Pierce (Fr ./Falls Church, VA), Steve Mazzatenta (Sr./Springfield, VA), Mike Michalowicz (Jr./Falls Church, VA), and Dennis Bradecamp (Fr./Chantilly , VA).
"Everybody looks good on paper this time of year, but our team will have to work hard and remain free of injuries in order to get back to the level we were last season," he said. "With a little luck and hard work, the team should be a contender in both the Mason-Dixon Conference and the NCAA South/Southeast Regional meets."