Hawks Cross Country adds Freshman talent to Sophomore experience for 2022

Hawks Men's Cross Country team is two meets into the 2022 season with a roster of two returning sophomores, one returning red shirt freshman and 5 incoming freshmen.

Ryan Rasco, a returning sophomore out of Saint Maria Goretti High School is running well for the Hawks. Rasco placed 6th  (19.55) in the Galen Piper Cross Country Challenge, hosted by Shippensburg University on September 2nd.  The 6000 meter race included a 1,000 meter grass circuit under the lights, following an 8:35 p.m. start. At the Saint Vincent College Invitational in Latrobe, PA on September 9th, Rasco placed 17th (22.42) in the 8,000 meter race. "Ryan has stepped up into a leadership role both on the course as well as in training and motivation," commented Head Cross Country, Track & Field Coach, Mike Spnnler. "The experience Ryan gained as a member of last year's nationally ranked team coupled with his desire and motivation to continue training throughout the summer has positioned him as the one to chase going forward this fall." Along with Rasco, sophomore teammate Jaron Pearson, out of South Hagerstown High School and redshirt freshman, Griffin Knipp, out of Williamsport High School round out the returners from last year's squad.

Freshman, Thomas Bildheiser, out of Cedar Crest High School in Lebanon, PA, has shown promise for the Hawks finishing 24th (20.50) in the Galen Piper Cross Country Challenge and 27th (27.59) in the Saint Vincent College Invitational. "Tommy is a talented runner out of PA joining us this year. He is highly motivated and training well," added Spinnler. "This level of competition has a different look from what Tommy is used to, and he's chasing Ryan which is right where he should be. We can't wait to see how he develops over the fall." Adding to the list of incoming freshmen are local talents Finn McGreevy and Matthew Stine, both out of North Hagerstown High School, and Luke McLister, out of Middletown High School.

Hagerstown CC finishers - Galen Piper Cross Country Challenge, 9/2/22