Aug. 30, 2011

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The essence of cross country is packing five runners closely together at the front of a race in order to accumulate the fewest points.

In the past few seasons, the University of Maryland men's cross country team has had some outstanding individuals, as Alex Lundy and Greg Kelsey earned individual berths to the NCAA Nationals over the past three seasons.

This year, though, the Terrapins will grow closer to a more typical cross country model, according to seventh-year head coach Andrew Valmon.

"I think we'll run close together, which means our score should be good," said Valmon, who next summer will serve as men's track and field head coach for Team USA at the London Olympics. "As a unit, we'll be really strong."

Expected to lead the group will be sophomore Cory Puffett and senior Sumanth Kuppalli. Puffett was the Terrapins' No. 3 runner as a freshman a year ago.

"Cory's been there," said Valmon. "He came into an important spot and wasn't afraid. He's put himself in position to be one of our top runners this season. He's very strong and seasoned in the sport of cross country."

Kuppalli has been in the track and cross country program for four seasons and will be counted on for his veteran leadership in a group that includes just five runners who have earned letters at Maryland.

Valmon and distance coach Desmond Dunham said the team will have to rely on each other due to its youth. Working together, though, they feel the team has already bonded.

The top group includes some talented runners who have come to Maryland with strong resumes. Kyle Graves is a standout in the local distance community who had a solid freshman season indoors last year, while fellow sophomore Sean O'Leary moved up to the No. 4 spot on the Terps' cross country team a year ago.

Juniors Brian Faherty and Craig Morgan were also in scoring positions for Maryland last year at both the Atlantic Coast Conference and NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional championships. Valmon expects them to be in that tight pack for the Terps throughout the season.

Some newcomers could push the leaders for lineup spots by mid-season.

Kenyan native Kikanae Punyua won a Maryland state outdoor title as a junior at Wilde Lake HS before transferring to Glenelg Country Day School last year, while Alex Willett won the 3,200 meters indoors as a senior at nearby Walter Johnson High School.

Tyler Tate is a freshman from Delaware cross country powerhouse Tatnall HS and will join freshmen Theo Dorsman and Nick Regan. Tyler Stump will participate in cross country for the first time this season, while Israeli exchange student Noam Neeman will compete for the Terrapins as a senior this fall.

Maryland opens its 2011 season on Sept. 2 at the Mount St. Mary's Duals, starting its run toward the ACC Championships on Oct. 29 at Clemson. The NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regionals this season will be hosted by UMES.