New-Look XC Programs Start Seasons this Friday

TOWSON, Md. — Between the men’s and women’s programs, Goucher’s cross country teams have had multiple all-conference performers in each of the last five seasons.

For that streak to continue this fall, however, the Gophers will need a new group of runners to step up after losing several of their top performers from 2013. All-region standout Katherine Currier and all-conference performers June Chiango and Katelynn Zidanic have departed from the women’s side, while three of Goucher’s top four conference finishers on the men’s side have moved on as well.

The Gophers do have one major advantage working in their favor this season, as they will host the Landmark Championships this November for a third time since conference’s formation, giving them a strong familiarity with the course for their most important meet of the season.

“We’re very excited by the opportunity to host again,” head coach John Caslin said. “We’re the only school in the conference that has had a chance to do it three times. Our course has a history of causing a few surprises at the conference meet.”

Camille Jorgensen (San Diego, Calif./Patrick Henry) and Zoe Malkin (Watchung, N.J./Watchung Hills Regional), who each were among Goucher’s top seven at the end of last season, headline the returners on the women’s side. Jorgensen placed 32nd at last year’s Landmark meet, helping the Gophers earn the fourth team spot overall. They will be joined by several newcomers, including Anna Sandacz (Jessup, Md./Annapolis Area Christian School), a transfer from Howard Community College, and freshman Amanda Tascarella (Rocky Point, N.Y./Rocky Point).

Isaac Jennings (Narberth, Pa./Harriton) and Zachary Byrum (Stafford, Va./Brooke Point) will lead a young men’s squad. Jennings posted Goucher’s top time at both the Landmark and Mideast regional meets, while Byrum also registered top five team times in each of those events.

“Isaac is looking to have a breakout year, and he’s certainly put the work in over the summer,” Caslin said. “He’s shown flashes of what he can do in the past. I think he has a shot to be all-conference. Zach is also showing strong senior leadership and he’s arrived in great shape.”

The Gophers have six meets scheduled leading up the Landmark Championships, beginning with the Baltimore Metro Meet this Friday, and the team will use that time solely to build up to its peak performance at the end of the season. The cross country programs will also host their annual Goucher Classic on Saturday, Oct. 11.

“The early meets will certainly be a testing ground,” Caslin remarked. “Everything we do, every practice and every meet leads up our postseason races.

“I have seen great improvement from both teams over a short period of time this preseason,” he concluded. “We’re still a work in progress, but we have a lot of potential.”