Youth movement to anchor M. X-C

When the Penn men's cross country team opens its season in New York on Saturday, coach Charlie Powell will look to reap the potentially rich seeds of youth that were sown during a disappointing 2001 campaign.

The sophomore triumvirate of Stephen Hayes, Dusty Lieb and Nolan Tully is poised to make a considerable impact in the Ivy League.

"Last year's freshman class was just phenomenal," Powell said. "As freshmen, they proved themselves at the top levels of competition. The times they ran were excellent for guys that were juniors and seniors."

In August, Lieb made history as the youngest overall champion of the annual Annapolis Ten Mile Run. His time of 54:51.55 beat out the largest field in the race's 27-year history.

Lieb's accomplishment came on the heels of his successful freshman track campaign, including an IC4A qualifying time of 14:35.79 in the 5000m.

Tully painted his inaugural season with consistently high finishes, culminating with a strong fourth-place showing in the 3000m at February's Indoor Heptagonal Championships.

Where the team's lack of depth has proven fatal in past seasons, Powell made sure to heartily supplement his talented core.

One such valuable contributor to the Quakers will be senior Eric Malnstrom, who is returning from a year abroad in England.

"Eric's probably in the best shape of his life," Powell said of the senior. "If we can can keep him healthy and keep him focused, I think he's going to be someone who will help us down the road.

"He's got a burning desire."

Sophomore George Weiner will also look to build on his freshman year's steady success.

"He's going to surprise a lot of people," Powell said.

Josh Joseph and Scott Seibens are two former middle-distance runners making the jump to the longer distance.

"Both guys were milers throughout their careers," Powell said. "It's a tough move -- particularly at the college level, where courses are 10K, and not 5K like at the high school level."

Rounding out the top tier are junior Joe Fabiani and sophomore Dan Treglia. Both will look to secure a place in the Quakers' top five while a number of well-qualified recruits will look to break into the lineup.

The Red and Blue open their season at Saturday's Fordham Invitational at Van Courtland Park in Manhattan.

"The first couple meets are treated like the preseason," Powell said. "Cross country is a different breed of cat. We're not like baseball or basketball where there's a greater emphasis on the win-loss record.

"What matters is what happens in the championship meets. Sure, there are certain races you'd like to win and certain people you'd like to beat, but the main focus is working to that ultimate goal."

Hayes -- like Powell -- is also looking at the Fordham Invitational as a chance for the Quakers to get an idea of where they stand in the early season.

"It should give us a good indication of what we can expect from the team this year," he said.

"I'm pleased with the way we look so far."

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