September 9, 2006

NEWARK, NJ - The New Jersey Institute of Technology men's cross country program enters a new era in 2006, as the Highlanders will compete at the at the NCAA Division I level for the first team, after having been at the Division II level since 1997.

Set to lead the Highlanders, off a season in which he was one of the top freshman runners in the East at any level, is sophomore Umar Saeed, who. He earned all-East for placing 24th in the season-ending IC4A race that was open to runners from all divisions.

In addition, he was co-recipient on NJIT's male newcomer of the year for all sports and was the champion of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference race, finished 47 seconds ahead of the next man, who was the previous year's champion. During the regular season, Saeed was first in six consecutive races and was Runner of the Week in the Division II CACC three times.

"Umar is coming off a great track season and he had a strong summer," noted veteran coach Al Alonso, who starts his fourth season at the NJIT helm after a 19-year stint leading his alma mater, Stevens Institute of Technology. "We expect he will pick up where he left off last season."

Junior Duc Tran is another strong returning performer who has shown improvement throughout his career and was a team leader from the start of his freshman season in 2004.

Captain Dave Kloc is back for his senior season, which will be his third year as a team captain. Junior Matt Magnifico, an all-conference runner as a freshman, joins senior Mike Genauer in adding to the Highlanders' veteran depth. Also back are John Zawisa and Drew Pennyfeather.

Babtunde Busari, who redshirted last year as a freshman, is ready to go in 2006. "He was hurt last year, but I expect him to take his place in our top seven immediately," said Alonso.

Four freshman: Tchaz Amevor, Michael Gurlacz and Bryan Louvado and Michael Woyce are seen by Alonzo as strong candidates to crack the top seven. Also in the hunt are freshmen Jeff Pierik-Page, Jamil Wilkins and Charles Wood.