Cavs Runners Set to Make Their Mark in 2007

August 31, 2007

Wise, VA -- As a new year begins at UVa-Wise, the familiar late-summer sounds of shoulder pads colliding at Carl Smith Stadium and the thud of volleyballs slamming on the court of Greear fill the mountain air. Upon a closer listen, you can also catch the sound of feet pounding the grass, trails, and asphalt of Wise County. Those sounds are coming from the Highland Cavalier cross country team, a group that is poised to match the success of their fall counterparts this season.

On the women’s side, there is a great buzz about the addition on freshman standout Brittany Killough (Wise, VA). Killough, a local product out of Wise’s J.J. Kelly High School dominated the high school ranks and earned four All-State honors in cross country, in addition to a state championship in track. Killough arrives to campus poised to lead a group of young but dedicated runners towards the goal of a strong season. The Lady Cavs will also rely heavily on the leadership of sophomore Maureen Seibold (Spotsylvania, VA) who earned a spot on the AAC All-Freshman Team last year, and junior transfer Desirae Killough (Virginia Tech). The team has finally added some much-needed depth as sophomore Brandi Bailey (Clintwood, VA) and freshmen Leah Arthur (Danville, VA), Tamara Haack (Stephens City, VA), and Therese McMahon (Falls Church, VA) will look to make a significant contribution. Early signs indicate that this could be a team that, while young and somewhat inexperienced, can make an impact as the season progresses.

The men’s team has undergone a makeover that includes a mixture of returning talent, with a group of newcomers ready to make the transition to collegiate running. The Cavs will be led by sophomore standout Stephen Gregory (Stephens City, VA), who gained a top-35 finish in last year’s regional championships, in addition to a second-place finish at the Maryville Invitational. Senior captain Britten Olinger (Glade Spring, VA) and sophomore Derek Bunch (Clintwood, VA) both return with their sights on improving from last year’s success. The men welcome four newcomers as red-shirt freshman Joe Knight (Collinsville, VA) and sophomore Spencer Adams (Wise, VA) join class of 2007 signees Collin Skeen (Ewing, VA) and Landon Smith (Ewing, VA). Skeen and Smith bring impressive credentials from their highly decorated stint at Thomas Walker High School and all of the newcomers have been working tirelessly to adjust to the demands of collegiate distance running.

Head Coach Jason Lewkowicz returns for his third year at the helm of the cross country program and is excited about the team’s outlook. “The talent level is as good as we have ever had here at UVa-Wise,” says Lewkowicz. “Although it would be great to have a little more depth on both teams, the ability of these student-athletes is unquestioned and they will have an opportunity to make a big impact this season.”

The Highland Cavaliers will face a challenging schedule that will see them travel to four different states and prestigious events such as the Eye Opener Invitational, Hagan Stone Classic, and Southeastern Classic. In addition, the Cavs will host a home meet on September 29 at Camp Bethel.