Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cross Country	Men's SIUE Cross Country SIUE Athletics

August 24, 2006 2006 Men's Cross Country Schedule SIUE Men's Cross Country Team Looks to Continue Success           EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - While losing two top runners the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men's cross country team looks to build on past success in the 2006 season.           The roster will include five of the top seven runners from the 2005 season with only two seniors.           Returning cross country members include Joshua Bozue (Fairborn, Ohio), Kyle Cameron, (East Moline), Justin Crain (McLeansboro), Brian Getz (East Moline), Blake Marcum (Centralia), Erik Steffens (Moline), and Steve Werths (Granite City).           "The team put in a lot of hard work over the summer which should pay off this season," said SIUE men's assistant cross country coach Eileen McAllister.           "They have a lot of potential. The main thing is keeping everybody healthy," said McAllister. Three freshmen will be joining the squad this fall, including Sean Gosewisch (Lockport), Jared Starnes (Normal) and Ryan Wessling (Lockport).           "With a very competitive Great Lakes Valley Conference and Great Lakes Region, the season will not be a walk in the park, but we definitely have the talent to make some SIUE cross country history," added McAllister.           The young team will also be able to look to former SIUE standout Brian Taghon (East Moline) for experience.           "Since Taghon will be around training for his remaining track seasons, he'll be present to push others while giving valuable leadership to the team," said McAllister. Taghon qualified for the NCAA Championships last season as an individual.           The SIUE men's cross country team will begin its season on Sept. 2 at the Washington University Early Bird.           -siue cougars-