2008 Woodie Awards
Cross-Country Focuses on Team Effort
Dan Racciopo
Issue date: 10/31/05 Section: Flyer Sports
Last year, cross-country at Mercy College was synonymous with one name, as it routinely focused on Zoya Pochinka, the gifted student athlete and mother that routinely found success every outing that she competed.
As for this year, Coach Bullock stated, "I believe 'Team Mercy' will share the spotlight."
Bullock felt that some of the key runners such as Miguel Reyes and Katelyn Klobus all give a team effort and will lead to a successful year.
"While Miguel Reyes is clearly our most accomplished distance runner, our success will depend upon everyone surpassing their previous performances," he said.
At the Connecticut College Invitational, Reyes, a sophomore, started the season off with his best-timed performance of his career. He finished 48 out of 334 finishers, achieving a new personal best time, beating his previous best by just over .66 of a minute. Klobus had her first collegiate race at this event as well, finishing 186 out of 257 runners.
The second race of the season took place at New York University. Klobus finished a respectable 107 out of 211 runners, but Reyes "one-upped her" with an 18 place finish, leading one 111 runners in the men's race, seven runners better than Klobus.
Bullock said that the team took a step backward at Bryant College, despite another solid outing by Reyes, who finished seventh out of 71 runners. Klobus finished 53 out of 74 in her third collegiate race.
What really needs to be worked on, Bullock said, was getting more members on the distance squad for women. He added that the team needs freshman on the men's side to make the transition from racing 5K to 5 miles.
As far as the team's high expectations go, Bullock said that the athletes are working hard to achieve those expectations. Bullock stated, "We will get there."
As for this year, Coach Bullock stated, "I believe 'Team Mercy' will share the spotlight."
Bullock felt that some of the key runners such as Miguel Reyes and Katelyn Klobus all give a team effort and will lead to a successful year.
"While Miguel Reyes is clearly our most accomplished distance runner, our success will depend upon everyone surpassing their previous performances," he said.
At the Connecticut College Invitational, Reyes, a sophomore, started the season off with his best-timed performance of his career. He finished 48 out of 334 finishers, achieving a new personal best time, beating his previous best by just over .66 of a minute. Klobus had her first collegiate race at this event as well, finishing 186 out of 257 runners.
The second race of the season took place at New York University. Klobus finished a respectable 107 out of 211 runners, but Reyes "one-upped her" with an 18 place finish, leading one 111 runners in the men's race, seven runners better than Klobus.
Bullock said that the team took a step backward at Bryant College, despite another solid outing by Reyes, who finished seventh out of 71 runners. Klobus finished 53 out of 74 in her third collegiate race.
What really needs to be worked on, Bullock said, was getting more members on the distance squad for women. He added that the team needs freshman on the men's side to make the transition from racing 5K to 5 miles.
As far as the team's high expectations go, Bullock said that the athletes are working hard to achieve those expectations. Bullock stated, "We will get there."