Sept. 14, 2007

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Coach Charles Torpey's La Salle University cross country squads continue to be a model for excellence in the Mid-Atlantic Region as the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) has ranked the Explorer women and men in the most recent national poll.

The women received a 3rd place ranking in the Mid-Atlantic Region, joining an elite group- only Princeton (1st) and Georgetown (2nd) were given higher rankings. Graduate student Rachel Papin has a lot to do with the Explorers high position, as she finished the 2006 season as a NCAA qualifier and was named A-10 Cross Country `Outstanding Performer of the Year' in both 2003 and 2004. The blue and gold were the highest-ranked A-10 team in the poll, joined only by Duquesne (11th).

The Explorer men grabbed the 9th place ranking in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Other A-10 teams receiving rankings in the poll were Duquesne (7th) and St. Joseph's (15th).

La Salle's season continues as the team travels to the United States Naval Academy on Saturday, September 15th to compete in the Navy Invitational. The varsity race begins at 11 AM.