MANSFIELD – The Mansfield University men's and women's cross country teams will take part in the 2011 NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Championships hosted by Slippery Rock University this Saturday, November 5^th. The Championships kick-off with the women's race at 11:00am followed by the men's race at Noon.

The Mountaineer women's team is coming off a best-ever fifth place finish at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) championship meet two weeks ago. Head cross country coach Mike Rohl was pleased with his team's performance, but has his sights set even higher for Regionals. Last year the women placed 10^th overall as a team at Regionals.

“I think we have a great chance to get our top three runners qualifying for All-Region” explained Rohl. “Our goal is to get into the top three as a team and make it to nationals in Washington.”

Senior stand-out Brenae Edwards continues to lead the way for the Mounties after placing third overall at the PSAC championships. In 2009, Edwards placed 6^th at the Atlantic Regional Championships hosted by Mansfield.

Sisters Jess Scordino and Kristy Scordino continue to turn in impressive times for the Mountaineers. The duo ran as a pack at the conference meet, placing 14^th and 15^th overall and earning All-PSAC honors. Last season at the Atlantic Regionals, Jess turned in a 36^th place finish with Kristy finishing 48^th.

Mansfield offers solid depth with runners Becky Kratz and Kait Chegwidden who placed 47^th and 65^th respectively at the PSAC meet. After being sidelined with an injury for weeks prior to the conference championships, freshman Susan Learn came back to finish 94^th overall for the Mounties at PSAC's.

The men's side is led by senior Kevin Cusworth who placed 48^th overall at the 2011 PSAC championships. Last season, Cusworth turned in an 87^th placed finish at the Regional Championships helping the Mountaineers to a 14^th place team finish.

Senior Nate MacNabb was impressive at last year's regional championships, turning in a 40^th place finish. Freshman Will Mullen will get his first taste of Regional competition after placing 85^th at PSAC's. Veterans Mike Robinson and Wesley Winter finished 90^th and 97^th respectively at the 2011 conference championships.