M. Cross-Country res. Albany Invit: M. X-C finishes 2nd at Heps tuneup

If the Penn men's cross country team was in the bullpen at Saturday's Albany Invitational, then it'll be looking to make strikes that count approaching the mound to Friday's Heptagonal championships. More like a practice than a meet, SUNY-Albany's eight-kilometer course gave the Quakers a chance to warm up before this weekend and make final adjustments in strategy and technique that could place the team in top form for Heps. The team came in second to host Albany, which won its own invitational for the first time. Ranked second in the nation for Division III, Albany beat the Quakers by one point. Penn had not planned to run a fast race in order to save strength for the coming weekend. The goal was to consolidate the team and strengthen the pack runners – primarily it was a training race that did not matter in the scope of the Quakers' racing itinerary. However the day was not without exceptional performances. Sophomore Kurt Sprowls finished as Penn's top man followed closely by junior co-captains Joe Hall and Terry McLean. "Kurt Sprowls ran well," said Hall. "He ran with us the whole way – he really did a great job." Both coach Charlie Powell and Hall gave praise to sophomores Kevin Pryzbylski and Paul Beliveau, and senior Joe Tansey for their strong performances. "Everyone felt good," Hall said. "As everyone finished, a lot of guys were saying how they couldn't believe how fast they ran. My legs weren't tired at all. It seemed like everyone was confident." The Quakers are not planning on doing much of anything for the rest of the week to rest up for Friday. Workouts will consist of fast-paced shorter distances in short intervals in order to build speed technique. The Quakers are looking to gain an edge in the crucial first mile of the race where speed is essential to their racing strategy. "We're going to sit back, rest, relax, and get our heads on," Powell said. "That will be it for the week."