Temple University Athletics
Saturday, September 5
Pittsburgh, Pa. (Duquesne University)
9:00 a.m.
Temple University
at
Duquesne Duals
Women's Cross Country Earns First-Ever USTFCCA Regional Ranking
9.4.15 | Women's Cross Country
PHILADELPHIA - Heading into their first race in Pittsburgh this coming weekend, the Temple women's cross country team has earned a first in program history by being ranked 12th in the Mid-Atlantic Region by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCA). Coach James Snyder along with senior Blanca Fernandez and sophomore Katie Pinson took some time to talk to OwlsTV about the ranking and upcoming race.
The regional ranking is the first for Temple women's cross country in the history of the program, at any point during the season. Fifteen teams are ranked in each region.Â
The Owls finished 22nd in the region in 2014, and have made the biggest jump of any team from either gender in the entire country by ranking 12th in the 2015 preseason.
Fernandez, who enrolled at Temple in January, will compete for the Owls on the grass for the first time this fall. Fernandez earned All-America Second Team honors for both indoor and outdoor track this past year, and set school records in a total of five events. Fernandez is not a newcomer to the sport of cross country, having previously represented Spain at the Junior and U-23 levels.
Pinson returns for her sophomore season with the Owls after being Temple's number two runner throughout her debut campaign a year ago. She placed 31st overall at the American Athletic Conference Championships and fifth earlier in the season at the Penn State National Invitational.
The incoming class of six freshmen on the women's side is the largest Temple has ever brought in, and the most talented as well, according to Snyder. The group includes state champions, multiple all-state honorees and runners who brought their teams a huge amount of success during their high school careers.
Temple will open its season at the Duquesne Duals on Saturday, Sept. 5.
Video Preview l USTFCCCA Preseason Regional Rankings
The regional ranking is the first for Temple women's cross country in the history of the program, at any point during the season. Fifteen teams are ranked in each region.Â
The Owls finished 22nd in the region in 2014, and have made the biggest jump of any team from either gender in the entire country by ranking 12th in the 2015 preseason.
Fernandez, who enrolled at Temple in January, will compete for the Owls on the grass for the first time this fall. Fernandez earned All-America Second Team honors for both indoor and outdoor track this past year, and set school records in a total of five events. Fernandez is not a newcomer to the sport of cross country, having previously represented Spain at the Junior and U-23 levels.
Pinson returns for her sophomore season with the Owls after being Temple's number two runner throughout her debut campaign a year ago. She placed 31st overall at the American Athletic Conference Championships and fifth earlier in the season at the Penn State National Invitational.
The incoming class of six freshmen on the women's side is the largest Temple has ever brought in, and the most talented as well, according to Snyder. The group includes state champions, multiple all-state honorees and runners who brought their teams a huge amount of success during their high school careers.
Temple will open its season at the Duquesne Duals on Saturday, Sept. 5.
Video Preview l USTFCCCA Preseason Regional Rankings
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Cross Country
/ Women's Cross Country
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