Savini says Kalp, Fayette XC team is ready for USCAAs

The United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) cross-country championships take place on Sunday, November 12 on the campus of Penn State Fayette, and Fayette head coach PJ Savini is looking forward to his team taking part and having the "home field" advantage.

"I am excited for the championships because they are a very important athletic event through the USCAA Conference and it is a great honor and deal to be able to host such an event at our home campus," he said. "Having the championship here allows our runners to be better prepared.  Being able to practice on the course daily allows our runners to really dial in and run their own races accordingly based on natural features of the course such as dips, slick spots, ruts, and of course, the occasional gopher hole."

The women's 6k race begins Sunday at 10:00 a.m. while the men's 8k begins at 11:00 a.m.

Savini has seen improvement on his team throughout the season.

"The team as a whole continues to improve each week as we continue to push ourselves to reach personal bests and overall accomplishments relating to times and placements," he said.

Savini pointed out senior Chloe Kalp (Melcraft, PA/Connellsville HS).

"Chloe has worked so hard for this very opportunity to potentially bring home the win on her course for a USCAA championship," he said. "Running day and night, no matter the conditions, she has shown nothing but commitment and determination to go out on top for what will be her last cross-country race as a Penn State Fayette (runner).  She is the perfect example of what we as coaches strive for our athletes to be on and off the course."

For more information on the Penn State Fayette cross country team, go to https://psfathletics.com/sports/xc/index.

For more on all of the USCAA fall championships, go to https://uscaafallchampionships.com/landing/index. 

By Bill Hughes