After finishing sixth in the Big Ten last season, the Penn State men's cross country team plans to lay the foundation for future success with this year's squad.

While the team's top runner will be senior Josh Loren, freshmen will carry much of the weight this season. Having a young team that can grow and learn together could have a positive impact on the future of the team.

"It's a blessing in that we can get some ideas across to build (the team) back into a power," Penn State men's cross country coach Harry Groves said about the opportunity of having 10 newcomers.

Two freshmen that Groves hopes will have an instant impact are Shaun Cavanaugh and Dan Mazzocco. Both have PIAA Cross Country Championships under their belts. Cavanaugh won the championship in 2000 while Mazzocco won his title in 2001.

Other newcomers include Eamon Brazunas, Joel Grim, Dorian McDonald, Dan Michael, Ryan McGarry, Christopher Nirschell, Chris Pruitt and Tim Walker. This group could provide positive reinforcements for the foundation set by Mazzocco and Cavanaugh.

Another runner who could have a positive impact on the team is Scott Munro.

Groves said that Munro is returning from an injury, however, "he'll probably end up with the top couple of guys."

Michael Enwright, Steve Holmes, Ben Goldberg, Mike Gioia, Francis Lambert, Matt Lincoln, Joel Moceri, Matt Mereba, Erinn Otterson, Adam Voll and James Wiggin are returnees whom Groves hopes that he can rely upon for the upcoming season.

The veterans of this team could give the younger runners a helpful blueprint for future success.

This season will be highlighted by two home meets: the Spiked Shoe Invitational on Sept. 7, and the Penn State Open on Oct. 12.

The Spiked Shoe Invitational includes high school and college races. Groves said applications from other schools all across the country have been pouring in.

"People love to come here in September and October," Groves said. "They see Penn State at a time of year literally at our best, the foliage has just begin to change...you've got something you want to show off and cross country out here is something we can show off."

The Nittany Lions will have some tough competition in the Big Ten and from other teams in their region.

Villanova, Georgetown, Princeton and LaSalle should have some of the best regional teams, said Groves.

The Big Ten will not be easy for the Lions either. Wisconsin looks to be the head of the class in the Big Ten.

Munro pointed out that the team took four of the top six places in last season's Big Ten Championships.

"Wisconsin seems to have an endless supply of distance runners," Groves said.

Indiana, Michigan and Michigan State will also be at the head of the Big Ten's pack.

"Top five could be the goal," Munro said.

Moving up one place in the Big Ten could be the start of a rise in the success for the Lions.