Oct. 3, 2011

USTFCCCA Regional Rankings

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NEW ORLEANS, La. - The University of Maryland cross country teams received recognition in the regional voting this week after their performances Friday at the Lehigh Paul Short Run.

The Maryland women moved up five spots in this week's U.S. Track and Field / Cross Country Coaches Association's Mid-Atlantic Region rankings, now placing ninth. The Terrapins were 20th as a team at Lehigh, competing in a 45-team field that included eight nationally ranked teams.

"Our women put forth a solid effort this weekend which resulted in a climb up the regional charts," said head coach Andrew Valmon, who will serve as the head coach for Team USA's men's track squads at the 2012 London Olympics.

"Our top four women all ran very well and were able to help displace some of our regional competitors. The goal this season is to continue to build momentum heading into the championship season. We have started to pave the way with the efforts this weekend."

Maryland's men's team moved up one spot to 11th in the region following its 28th-place finish as a team. The Terrapins, showing the ability to pack its finishers once again, had only 44 seconds between their first and fifth runners at Lehigh.

"On the men's side, I expect everyone to continue to step up their performances so that we can continue to see progress within the region," said Valmon. "This group will be getting in some solid training efforts over the next few weeks as they prepare for championship competition."

Schedule Change for Cross Country

Valmon said Monday that the Terrapins will change their schedule for their next meet. Maryland will attend the Blue & Gold Invitational at the University of Delaware on Saturday, Oct. 15.

The men's 8K race will begin at 10:30 a.m., with the women's 6-kilometer event starting at 11:15 a.m.

The Terrapins were originally slated to compete at the Penn State National at State College on Oct. 14.

- Terps -