Aug. 17, 2010

PHILADELPHIA - The La Salle men's cross country team looks once again to take home the Atlantic 10 crown as the Explorers were picked to finish first based on a vote of the league's head coaches.

The Explorers, who won five titles between 2002 and 2007, eye the title after a fourth place team finish in 2009 and top 30 finishes from two of last year's top performers. Junior Dave Hausherr, who placed 26th in last year's conference meet and won the outdoor 10K title at the IC4A Championship, returns to lead the squad. Hausherr clocked a 27:43.6 on the rain-soaked 8K course in Saint Louis.

Sean Ward also returns for his senior year after finishing 27th in 2009, clocking a 27:44.0 last season. During the outdoor track season, Ward finished in the top 10 in the Atlantic 10 5K race and earned an IC4A qualification in the 10K earlier in the spring.

Around the conference, Massachusetts is predicted to finish second following last year's runner-up performance. Rounding out the top five are Richmond, defending champion Saint Joseph's and Dayton. Duquesne, Temple, Charlotte, Xavier, Fordham, Saint Louis, George Washington, Rhode Island and St. Bonaventure round out the league predictions.

The 2010 Atlantic 10 Cross Country Championship is set for Saturday, Oct. 30, at Schenley Park in Pittsburgh, Pa.