Ed Schlichter was one of Charlotte's top runners a year ago, when the men claimed their first Conference USA title. |
|
|
Men's Cross Country Outlook
Aug. 18, 2003
Last season was certainly a big one for the Charlotte 49ers men's cross country team. The team captured its first ever Conference USA championship with its first-year coach, Brad Herbster, receiving league Coach of the Year honors. The team had four of its members earn all-conference notice that day.
This year's squad will have a different look as five of the top seven runners from the championship team exhausted their eligibility. That doesn't mean the team is ready to give up its crown as Conference USA champion, however. The team returns the fifth-place finisher from last year's championship in Ed Schlichter (Sr., Chambersburg, Pa.). The 49ers also have the arguably the deepest recruiting class in school history making their debut in the green and white this fall.
Schlichter was consistently the number two man on the team last fall. He has proved he can race up with the conference's best during his career. In addition to his efforts in cross country, Schlichter finished third in the 10,000-meter run at last spring's Conference USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships with a 31:16 time.
"Ed is a very good leader and dedicated athlete," Herbster said. "His work ethic will pay off this year."
Another of Charlotte's top returnees is Russell Slade (So., London, England). Slade joined the team for the 2003 track season and will be participating in his first cross country season for the Niners this fall. He had an impressive track season, running as quick as 3:51 in the 1,500-meter run. Slade was Charlotte's top runner for the 1,500 during the season, racing to the second-fastest time in school history. At the indoor conference championship, Slade anchored the school record-setting and conference champion distance medley relay team.
"Russell has the ability to surprise many people," Herbster said.
"Schlichter and Slade, will be our team leaders in 2003," said 49ers head coach Robert Olesen, who is in his third season as head coach for the track and field and cross country programs. "We lose four seniors from last season, so this will be a very young team, but talented. Coach Herbster did an incredible job in his first season last fall and I'm confident that he will realize the maximum potential of this year's roster to record the highest finishes possible."
Joining Schlichter and Slade as returnees from last season are sophomore Jamil Muhaimin (Raleigh, N.C.), junior Zeke Fleisher (Kings Mountain, N.C.) and redshirt freshman Matt Yost (Charlotte, N.C.).
With the loss of so many upperclassmen, the talented freshman class will have the opportunity to immediately step up and prove themselves in collegiate competition.
Charlotte's newcomers will be led by freshman Andrew Manning (Traverse City, Mich.). Manning placed fourth at the Michigan state cross country meet last fall.
"Andrew has good strength. That strength will benefit him at the college level," Herbster said.
Ken Simeone (Fr., New Haven, Conn.) will also be joining the 49ers this fall. Competing for his Milford High School team, he posted personal records of 9:33 in the 3,200 and 15:31 in the 5,000.
"Ken is an athlete who has the drive to accomplish a great deal his first year," Herbster said. "His ability, coupled with good summer training, can come in and challenge for a top five spot."
Alex Stewart (Fr., Melbourne, Fla.) arrives in the Queen City with a personal best in the 1,600 of 4:16. He has also posted a time of 15:34 in the 5,000 meters.
"Alex has a great deal of speed and strength," Herbster said. "He has proven that he is a solid performer and will race with everything he's got. I look forward to developing Alex."
Verun Tahliani (Sewell, N.J.) rounds out the list of freshman newcomers. As a prepster, he posted personal records of 9:34 and 4:29.
Charlotte beginis its cross country season at home with the Charlotte Relay at McAlpine Park on Saturday, August 30. The men's race is slated for a 9:45 a.m. start.
|
|
 |
