XC team sprints towards successful season

The Seton Hill University (SHU) cross country teams have their sights set high for next season with their success this year.After a sweep at the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) Championships, both teams headed onto the NCAA Atlantic Regional.  The men’s team took home 11th place while the women notched 8th.“Our freshmen class next coming in will have an easier transition with the success of this year,” said Tim Creamer, the head coach of both teams.The men’s team won SHU’s first WVIAC title back in 2009, but injuries prevented a repeat in 2010.

“Our upper-classmen were a driving force to push the freshman class to get back to where we were,” said Creamer.

The women’s title was the first for the team.  However, the team title wasn’t the only honor that made school history.

Freshman Jeannie Bujdos and sophomore Stephanie Pryor were both named to the All Region Team.  With that accomplishment, they became the first pair of women to be named to the team from SHU.

“I couldn’t have come this far if it weren’t for my fantastic team,” said Bujdos.  “This season has been great, with both teams winning the conference championships and my being named to the All Region Team.”

Creamer said he knew the All Region Team “was something we thought she could do,” but he didn’t expect it to happen in her freshman year.

Budjos was five places away from making the National Team.

As for the future of SHU cross country, Creamer is “looking at some high school seniors and possibly a transfer.”  With everyone returning with the exception of three senior women, Creamer is confident his teams can reach next year’s goal.

“The goal is to become a top-three team in the region to make the National Championship in 2012.”