Aug. 31, 2006

Brea, CA -

More than 500 runners are entered in Cal State Fullerton's Season Opener Cross Country meet Saturday at Carbon Canyon Regional Park. The men's 8K starts at 8:30 a.m. to be followed at approximately 9:15 a.m. by the womens 5K.

Division I teams that will be competing against the host Titans include Cal Poly, Loyola Marymount, Pepperdine, University of San Diego and a men's "B" team from Long Beach State and the women's teams from USC and San Diego State. Other four-year schools involved are Azusa Pacific, Biola, Concordia, The Masters, Vanguard, Cal State Bakersfield and Cal State San Bernardino. Community colleges entered are Antelope Valley, Cerritos, East L.A., Long Beach City, Mt. Sac, Orange Coast and San Bernardino Valley.

Several unattached runners are competing along with the Cal Coast club, Saucony and the Men of Troy.

The Titan men will be led by two fifth-year seniors in Jordan Horn and Damien Nieves. After redshirting in 2005, Horn looks to be a top contender for the Big West individual championship this season. In Horn's absence Nieves took the leading role for the Titans in 2005.

"Both athletes are healthy and fit after a great summer of training and should provide the team with an excellent one-two punch up front," said Cal State Fullerton Head Coach John Elders.

Other top returnees include senior Daniel Alvarez and junior Cory Vaselenko. Both were sidelined last year after mid-season injuries, but have come back strong and are ready to contribute. The top newcomer for the squad should be freshman Sergio Tapia (Santa Ana HS). Others hoping to challenge for the top 7 spots are returnees Jon George (So.) and Eddie Perez (So.) and freshmen David Soto (San Pedro HS) and Avo Nazarian (West Torrance HS)

"This year's team is a good blend of veterans and newcomers and with two strong frontrunners and a solid supporting cast, the Titan men should return to compete for the top spots in the conference," said Elders.

The Fullerton women also will have a blend of strong returnees and newcomers. Junior Juliane Masciana and sophomore Mandy Eichmann are coming off a great track season in which they placed third and fourth in the 3000m steeplechase at the Big West track & field championships. They will be joined by fifth-year senior Luz Valdez to give the Lady Titans a solid pack up front.

"Three talented freshman will challenge them for the top positions on the team," said Elders, in listing Andrea Aguilar (Mater Dei HS), Erika Estrada (Santiago HS, Garden Grove), and Gail Munoz (Santa Ana HS). Other contenders include Kirsten Drake (So.), Melody Foelsch (So.) and freshman Danielle Posbic (Esperanza HS).

After a strong fourth-place finish at last year's Big West meet, the Titans will have to overcome losing two of their top returning athletes in Karina Ortiz (out of the country) and Carolyn Ellis (injury)," said Elders.

"I'm confident that this group is capable of matching or bettering last year's conference finish," said Elders.

Official results will be posted in the afternoon at Flash Results West.

MEET RESULTS