2010 Men's Schedule / 2010 Men's Roster
2010 Women's Schedule / 2010 Women's Roster / 2010 Media Guide

WILKES-BARRE – The Wilkes University men's and women's cross country teams are entering their third year after a 13-year layoff from competition. Both ended the 2009 season strong, finishing ninth and 10th, respectively, at the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) championships.

Coach Nick Wadas, who heads up both programs, is pleased with the development of his squads. “We're not yet where we want to be, but I'm very happy with the progression of the team and where we're going,” Wadas said. “We still have a lot of work to do, but I'm excited about our potential.”

On the men's side, a lot of that potential returns in sophomores Erik Karlsen (Vernon, N.J., Vernon Township), Austin Loukas (Windham, Maine, Windham) and Michael Wintermute (Tunkhannock, Pa., Tunkhannock). “For us to be successful this season, we need these three to build off of what they did last year,” said Wadas.

Karlsen came on strong at the end of 2009, pacing the Colonels in their final three meets (East Stroudsburg Invite, MAC championships and the NCAA regionals). Loukas and Wintermute both battled behind Karlsen during those meets, finishing second and third in each.

Fellow sophomores Tim Fisher (Cape May Court House, N.J., Cape May County Technical School) and Bob Carp (Southhampton, Pa., Council Rock South) - the top Wilkes finisher in four meets last season - also return to add depth to the men's team.

Junior Michelle Wakeley (Endicott, N.Y., Union-Endicott), a first team All-MAC performer in 2009, returns to lead the Lady Colonels. The women's leader in every meet last season, Wakeley finished 10th at the conference meet, posting a time of 25:35.99 in the 6K. Wadas looks for her to continue to improve in 2010, with a top-five finish at the MAC championships a likely goal.

Wakeley will be joined by fellow junior Molly McDonough (Scranton, Pa., Scranton) and sophomores Kirstin Cook (Windham, Ma., Windham), Stephanie Smith (Drums, Pa., Hazleton) and Olivia Waszkiewicz (Sauquoit, N.Y., Sauquoit), who round out the top runners for the women.

The Colonels start their season on Wednesday, September 1, hosting Misericordia University at 5:00 p.m. Wilkes will also host the Colonel XC Classic on Homecoming, Saturday, October 2.