MANSFIELD, Pa. - Early mornings bring more than crisp air to Mansfield—they bring possibility, accelerated heartbeats, and trails that are inviting. As the Mountaineers prepare for the season, Coach Nick Mattis, now entering his second year, stands alongside runners who've been with him before and those lacing up for the first time. Together, they're weaving a story of growth, passion, and unity.

This year’s squad includes six new exciting freshmen and eight dedicated returners to build the culture of coach Mattis' style. A new season will see the door open for the Mountaineer group to reach heights that the program has been looking to get back to.

The Season Ahead

The Mounties open the year on Saturday (Sept. 6) at the Doug Watts Open, hosted by Edinboro. After five regular season meets, Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Cross Country Championships take place on October 25, also hosted by the Fighting Scots. 

To finish out the season, the red and black group head to Lock Haven for the NCAA DII Atlantic Region Championships on November 8.

THE ROSTER

RETURNERS

On the men’s side, the returners offer both experience and reliability and on the women’s team, returners bring stability and promise. These returners are the backbone of a cohesive unit, familiar with the courses, each other’s pace, and the weight of representing the Mountaineers.

Noah Shedden (Sr.)

Shedden returns as the Mountaineers top runner, finishing 55th at the PSAC Championships and ran a season best 26:05.0 in the 8K. Shedden was named captain for the 2025 season.

Derek Simpson (Sr.)

Simpson is the longest tenured Mountie on the cross country team. His top 8K time was 28:05.4 last season and is poised to take the next leap up. 

Rylan Ebner (Jr.)

Ebner delt with injuries last cross country season, but began to regain his form late in the track and field season. His career best 8K time is 27:07.5 and will join Shedden and Simpson in a front pack for the red and black.

Greysen Kupsky (So.)

Kupsky enters his sophomore campaign set to take his next step. He showed great strides in the middle distance events in the track and field season. Last season, he finished 151st at the NCAA Atlantic Regional Championships. 

Anissa Lytle (Sr.)

Lytle returns for her final cross country season. She comes into the year after setting personal bests in the 3K and 5K during the last track and field season. 

Marissa Allen (Jr.)

Allen enters her junior season as the expected top returner. In the track season, she was a PSAC qualifier in the 3K steeplechase. Last cross country season, she set a 6K personal best 24:06.1 at the NCAA Atlantic Regional Championship. Allen was named a captain for the 2025 season.

Allyson Lewis (Jr.)

Lewis returns after a redshirt season. Lewis finished 15th in the 10K at the 2024 PSAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Lewis is expected to be in the top group for the Mounties. 

Libby Moore (So.)

Moore enters her sophomore campaign set to take his next step. Throughout last season, Moore improved her best 6K time by five minutes throughout the season. 

FRESHMEN

Abigail Davies (Landisville, Pa.)

High School - Letterwinner on the Hempfield women's cross country team ... Plans to study nursing ... daughter of James & Theresa Davies

Mayla Falank (Elmira, N.Y.) 

High School - 2024 Team MVP ... 2024 State Qualifier in Steeplechase ... 2023 NYSPHSAA Cross Country States ... First and Second Team IAC All Star in 3000m, 1500, 2000m Steeplechase, and 4x8 ... 2023 Brad Sanford Award ... plans to study psychology ... daughter of Susan Lynn and Dominick Falank

Nic Mattison (Waverly, N.Y.)

High School - Letterwinner as a runner on the Waverly cross country team ... plans to study sport management ... son of Camille Mattison Corneby

Alyssa Parks (Troy, Pa.)

High School - Four time State Qualifier ... 2x Northern Tier First team (2024, 2022) ... 2024 State Medalist ... 2024 Team MVP ... 2023 All-Region Third team ... 2023 Brad Sanford Award ... 2021 All-Region Second Team ... First and Second Team IAC All Star ... Also recruited for women's basketball ... Plans to study early childhood education ... daughter of Jenny Parks

Wyoming Trudeaux (Endicott, N.Y.)

High School - Letterwinner on the Union-Endicott women's cross country team ... Nike Nationals All-American ... STAC champion ... Section IV champion ... Plans to study biomedical sciences ... daughter of Lyle Trudeaux

Jack Williams (Lebanon, Pa.)

High School - Letterwinner as a runner on the Cedar Crest cross country team ... plans to study journalism ... son of Jason and Faith Williams