CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - There is much excitement in the air as preseason begins for the Lesley University Cross-Country Team.  In only its third season of existence, the Lynx might be competing for its first conference championship.  Last year was about creating a foundation based on a family model.  This year we build on this foundation and set our sights on winning.

The Men's Cross Country team consists of 3 returners.  Fran Cusick (Lexington, Mass.) is an all-conference runner who holds the school record for 5 miles (27:23).  Matt Hunt (Dracut, mass.) and Brian Axelrod (River Vale, N.J.) are novice runners who look to break 30 minutes and possible place high in the conference championship.  Recruits Mike Liset (Sandwich, Mass.) and Sam Hunt are polished runners that will add hard work and commitment to an already strong team of men.

The Women's team returns eight with the top four all coming back.  Charlotte Goff (Osterville, Mass.) owns the school record for 5K (20:51) and shares All-Conference honors with Heather Peng (Palo Alto, Calif.) and Ella Stiler-Cote (Kennebunkport, Me.).  Sarah Chafe (Abington, Mass.) rounds out the top four with a strong freshman year behind her as she looks to break 23 minutes in her second season. The women are led by their two passionate captains Heidi Kuchenbaur (Holden, Mass.) and Janice Catalano (Sandwich, Mass.).  Recruits Raina Mesibov, Elize McKelvey, and Audra Lydon (Burbank, Calif.) bring a new energy and a possible improvement to the team from last year.

"This year provides a new challenge for our team.  For the first time in three years there is an expectation to succeed and accomplish great things.  Gone are the days of just competing for the sake of competing.  We are in the position to win and we will train to do exactly that" says Head Coach Dan Flynn.

To learn more about the Lesley University Cross-Country Team, please visit their website.