University of Massachusets Athletics
Men's XC Picked To Finish Second In A-10
August 17, 2010 | Men's Cross Country
Aug. 17, 2010
NEWPORT NEWS, VA - On Tuesday afternoon the Atlantic 10 Conference released the 2010 men's cross country predicted order of finish in the conference. The Minutemen, who finished second last year, are predicted to do the same again this season only behind La Salle.
UMass returns 12 competitors for the fall, including stand-outs, Kevin and David Johnson, Sean Duncan, and Zachary Gordon. Veteran head coach Ken O'Brien adds five incoming freshman to the already talented Minutemen roster.
Leading his team in three-of-five meets last season, Kevin Johnson will lead the way for UMass in the A-10 Conference this year. The 2009 All-Atlantic 10 Selection placed seventh at last year's A-10 Championship Meet. Brother David Johnson will be relied on equally as much during his senior campaign. David led the team at last year's UMass Five-Way Meet in 25:30.00.
Junior Zachary Gordon, a 2009 All-Atlantic 10 Selection, will be a key part of the UMass squad as he placed in the team's top five in five-of-six meets last season. Sean Duncan, who competed in six-of-eight meets last year, will also compete for the Minutemen in 2010.
Head coach Ken O'Brien returns for his 43rd season behind the helm of the men's cross country program at UMass. The 2008 A-10 Coach of the Year adds five newcomers to the Minutemen roster including Daniel Joyce (Marshfield, Mass.), Patrick McGowan (Mansfield, Mass.), Paul Merriman (Manlius, N.Y.), Jared Reddy (Methuen, Mass.), and Anthony Taylor (Arlington, Mass.).
The Minutemen's season commences on September 18 as the squad kicks off the 2010 campaign in Amherst with the annual Home Meet.