Orono, Maine – The University of Maine men's and women's cross country teams open up the 2017 campaign on Friday at home against Army West Point, at 3 p.m.
 
Mark Lech enters his 13th season as the head cross country coach in 2017. Last season, the men's cross country squad finished second best in in the America East Conference, while the women finished eighth.
 
"We will have our hands full going against two strong Army West Point teams on campus," noted Lech. "But this dual meet will definitely prepare us for the New England and America East Championships later on in the season."
 
With 2016 America East Individual Champion Jesse Orach graduating this past May as one of Maine's most decorated runners in program history, the men's team will look for veterans to step up to fill the gap.
 
"I think Aaron Willingham or Josh Horne could take that top spot for us," said Lech. "If Jacob Terry and Simon Powhida also run well, we have the potential to have a very strong season."
 
Willingham finished 11th at the America East Championships in Baltimore last season, while Horne crossed the finish line in 14th. Powhida also finished in the top-20 at the conference championship meet.
 
On the women's side, the Black Bears return Kaitlyn Saulter, Nora Hubbel, and Haley Lawrence, Maine's top-three runners at the America East Championships last October. 
 
"We could have a different runner leading us every race, but besides Saulter, Hubbel and Lawrence, I think that Cassandra Howard along with Hope and Faith Gardner will take a step up this season," said Lech. "I also expect freshman Emma Jourdain to immediately make an impact."

This year marks the third straight season that Maine and Army West Point are kicking off the fall slate in Orono. The Black Knights have swept both previous opening dual meets.
 
After taking on the Black Knights, the Black Bears head to Amherst, Mass. next Saturday to compete at the Minuteman Invitational. The women are slated to start at 11 a.m., while the men will scheduled for 11:30 a.m., at the UMass Cross Country Course.
 
-UMaine-