KUTZTOWN, PA (August 26, 2010) --- Ryan Reich and the rest of the Kutztown University men’s cross country team isn’t ready to skip the 2010 season just because the Golden Bears were picked to finish 10th in the preseason Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) coaches’ poll.
“We’re pretty young this year,” Reich said. “If you look at the PSAC preseason poll, many people aren’t looking for us to do much, but we have higher hopes and expectations of ourselves. This may be viewed as a rebuilding year by some, but we have some talented young guys who have been putting in a great effort so far. I think we can take positive steps forward and do better than what we’re ranked.”
Reich and the Golden Bears begin the 2010 season next Friday evening when it competes in the Lehigh Valley Challenge at Lehigh University beginning at 6:15. While the Golden Bears are excited to get onto the cross-country course, Reich is looking forward to being a leader. It’s funny because Reich is still a novice when it comes to the nuances of conquering a 5-kilometer course.
“Even though he’s a junior, he’s basically young to the sport,” Kutztown men’s cross-country coach Ray Hoffman said. “Coming out of high school, Ryan was not totally a cross-country runner. He knows he’s a guy who should be a leader and we spoke over the summer and talked about it. With us not having any seniors, he knows he’s the go-to guy for leadership.”
Reich started running cross-country in middle school. He chose cross-country over baseball. Teaming with junior Frank Nick, the Golden Bears have a solid one-two combination that could help them enjoy a surprising season. Reich has been sharing with his teammates about the importance of staying healthy, pacing during practices and leading by example.
“It feels great to lead and it’s an honor,” Reich said. “I am excited to lead these guys and teach them what college running is all about.”
A secondary education major, Reich has improved each season in the maroon-and-gold. Last year was a mini-coming out party for him as Reich placed among the top 40 in both the PSAC and Atlantic Regional championship races. He was 36th at the Atlantic Regionals (33 minutes, 15 seconds) and 39th at the PSAC championships (28:12.3). Hoffman believes Reich will raise his game to another level this year.
“This year I expect a big step up and a big improvement,” Hoffman said of Reich. “We expect him to be our impact guy up front along with Frank Nick. If we get both of them to be in the top 20 in the conference with the nice group of guys we have here, that’s going to help us get to the next level.”
--KU--