Sophomore class takes lead for M.X-C

Penn's 'sophomore seven' are usually at the head of the pack. In cross country, ignorance is never bliss. In fact, for seven Penn men's cross country sophomores, the more knowledge they gain, the greater impact they provide. One year of experience under their belts and having a better feel for the courses and competition has proven invaluable to their successes thus far this year. "Last year, there were times as a freshman when it was kind of intimidating," Penn sophomore Scott Clayton said. "This year, I haven't backed down from the competition. There is no more of that." The Quakers' "sophomore seven" have truly grown into a powerful, cohesive unit. One year removed from first tasting battle on these collegiate front lines, these veterans have acquired a better understanding of their roles on this young Quakers squad. This year has only begun to whet their appetites for the future. "I am more confident in myself, which has allowed me to be more relaxed," said sophomore Joe Campagna, who has consistently been among the top five Quakers finishers throughout this season. "Last year, we weren't sure what we could do and not sure what to expect. When in racing situations this year, we have been able to play more of a leadership role." The sophomore class has eagerly taken on a larger role with the program. Coupled with the strong finishes by Clayton and Campagna, Jason Greene, John Krol, and Jim Miranda have also grown as runners. "I am much more serious about the sport than I ever was in the past," Clayton said. "This is just a testament to the kind of team we have this year, and the drive we have. Last year, I just went out there and ran. This year I have taken a more self-analytical approach to running and this has helped immensely." This intensity has brought the team personally closer. Coming in as freshmen and making the same transition from high school to collegiate running, they quickly became friends. Every race was a new experience to build upon, learning how to approach and attack every physical and mental aspect of a meet. "What we considered hard training and lots of miles has really changed," said Campagna, who was second among Penn runners at last weekend's Heps in New York, trailing only senior captain Paolo Frescura. "This year has redefined what I view as what it takes to be good. With a good, solid year of training, it's easier to handle larger mileage and become a more mature runner." "By maintaining our friendship and not letting rivalries form, we should bring great things in the next couple of years," Clayton said. "No rivalries have been formed because friendship comes first." Their personal growth has without question contributed to the improving successes of the team. The Quakers surpassed the eighth-place prediction of the Heptagonal pre-race rankings this year, by finishing fifth overall, their best finish in three seasons. Despite these expectations, the Quakers continue to prove to all of their doubters that they are better than their written standings, a fact they attribute to intensity and work ethic. The group, usually led by Clayton and Campagna, certainly is not content to stop here. Simply by observing the great number of hours and miles they sacrifice for the sport, there is a definite aura of excitement, anticipation, and hope. At Heps, Penn's fifth-place performance was due in large part to sophomores. Four of the top nine Quakers came from the "sophomore seven." But they have loftier goals than that. "Penn hasn't won a Heps championship in 22 years," Campagna said. "I want to get one of those if not more. I'd want at the end of my collegiate career to know that I couldn't have trained any harder or run any faster."

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