Nov. 4, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Just three days after Peter Hess stunned the crowd at the men's ACC Cross Country Championships, the freshman from Toms River, N.J. is the recipient of three honors for his remarkable performance. Hess received All-ACC honors, in addition to being named the ACC Freshman of the Year and Maryland Student-Athlete of the Week.

Hess led the way for Maryland, finishing in sixth place in the field of 69 runners in his third collegiate 8K competition. The young Terp garnered tremendous praise from head coach Trent Sanderson for his 24:35.1 time.

"Peter Hess was absolutely amazing," Sanderson said. "He made the All-ACC team, which is an incredible accomplishment, especially for a freshman. He was making a break for the finish line and everyone around us was asking 'who is this guy'-he really made a name for himself, in the midst of a truly talented group of runners."

The top 10 finishers in the men' and women's races were named to the All-ACC team, and the top freshmen finishers were deemed the Freshman of the Year.

The Terps return to action on Nov. 15 at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships in Lock Raven, Pa.



2003 ACC Men's Cross Country All-Conference Team
1. Andy Smith, NC State (24:13.1)
2. Chad Pearson, NC State (24.19.6)
3. Will Christian, Virginia (24:21.6)
4. Joep Tigchelaar, Florida State (24:24.7)
5. Devin Swann, NC State (24:34.2)
6. Peter Hess, Maryland (24:35.1)
7. Sean Stevens, Wake Forest (24:36.2)
8. Ian Hornabrook, Florida State (24:39.7)
9. Allen Bader, NC State (24:40.1)
10. Wesley Smith, NC State (24:41.2)