MIDDLETOWN, Pa- The 2011 campaign is one of new beginnings for Penn State Harrisburg's cross country program.  Mary Waechter, a Camp Hill native and Penn State graduate, takes over as head coach of both the men's and women's teams this fall.  She brings with her a passion for the sport and plenty of experience, both of which will prove important as Waechter and her runners take the first steps towards building the Lions into North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) contenders.

"Steady improvement is our primary focus…with so many newcomers and young runners on our team we are focusing on building experience and seeing positive trends of development throughout the season."

So said the first year coach about her runners' top priorities this year.  After losing a number of team members to graduation, the men's squad returns just two runners in 2011.  But that void pales in comparison to their counterparts.  The women lost even more, as in every runner from last season's team.  Waechter said the lack of returnees is obviously one of the Lions' most glaring weaknesses.

But those back on the men's side will be looked to for leadership and experience.  Sophomore Jordan Heisey (Mechanicsburg, PA/Mechanicsburg) had a solid 2010 and hopes to translate that into more success this season.  Senior Michael Janze (Fredericksburg, PA/Anrietown) is also back to provide some much needed and valuable experience. 

New to the men's team this year are freshmen Jimmy Tewell (Mechanicsburg, PA/Mechanicsburg) and Diedrich Farber (McClure, PA/Selinsgrove), and sophomore Elliott Wells (Asheville, NC/Asheville).  The blue and white also picked up some upperclassmen in seniors Jeremy Wise (Middletown, PA/Pine Grove) and Romeo Vallias (Philadelphia, PA/Northeast), and junior David Venturo (Steelton, PA/Steelton-Highspire).  Waechter was pleased that all of her newcomers looked competitive in preseason training.

The women's side presents a clean slate.  Waechter said senior Lauren Cassidy (Lancaster, PA/Hempfield) looks to be the strongest addition both in leadership and experience, while freshman Rosanny Reyes (Harrisburg, PA/Central Dauphin East) will be the squad's go-to rookie.  The coach also had good things to say about sophomore Alisha House (Crownpoint, NM/Thoreau), who's worked very hard in preseason practice and has a strong work ethic.  Two more freshmen, Sonia Joynes (Philadelphia, PA/Germantown) and AnneMarie Prozzillo (Lancaster, PA/Conestoga Valley), will have every opportunity to make an immediate impact as well.

With a program chock-full of youngsters and first-year team members, Waechter's been using the preseason to try to build chemistry and take advantage of each and every practice.

"We're getting into a steady practice routine and having everyone run together on a daily basis has been our focus in preseason," she said.  "We have been working on having quality practices and keeping all runners healthy heading into race day."

When asked about the blue and white's toughest competition this fall, Waechter said it's not about the opponents, it's about her runners making strides and improvements all season long.  That attitude, built on a combination of hardworking individuals and team success, will only prove beneficial for her young Lions down the road.

"All teams and races will be tough for us," she said.  "Our plan is to take the season one week at a time and one race at a time.  We have been focused on getting into a good practice routine and preparing for our first meet.  With such a young squad, we are approaching each race individually.  When you step back and look at the bigger picture, it's our goal that individual and team performances improve race to race as the season progresses.  We would really like to see everyone stay healthy and for the times to drop a bit from the first race to the last for all runners."