University of Tampa cross country preview

By JOE SMITH, Times Staff Writer
Published August 26, 2007

TAMPA - When Jarrett Slaven took over the UT cross country program eight years ago, he began with begging.

The Spartans' cupboard was literally bare, as just two men and zero women were returning.

So when Slaven stood behind a table in the lobby of the school's gymnasium for the program's general assembly, he pulled out all the stops.

His daughter, Richelle, a graphics design major, whipped up an eye-grabbing sign. Slaven's wife, Patsie, stood by his side so he'd be "female friendly."

"It was rough the first few years," said Slaven, a former Chamberlain and USF coach. "I was even thinking to myself, 'Oh boy, this is going to be different.' I was wondering how to do it."

The women's program has gone from no-names to nationally ranked (the past four seasons); this year, Slaven said, he'll have the "deepest group ever."

The UT men should also be competitive in the Sunshine State Conference, as long as their top two - sophomore Tony Nicolosi (Seminole) and senior David Forry (Wesley Chapel) - stay healthy.

Runners to watch

Laura Woznicki, Sr.: The Spartans steady No. 1 advanced to the NCAA finals the past two seasons. During the summer, she nearly broke the school-record 5K time.

Paige Williams, So.: She's coming off a stellar rookie campaign, during which she earned all-South Region honors and set UT freshmen records in track (3,000, 10,000 meters).

David Forry, Sr.: The two-time all-SSC runner is nursing a knee injury, which may move Nicolosi into the No. 1 slot.

Things to know

- Nicolosi and his sister, Heather, both were Times' cross country runners of the year at Seminole. Now, they're teammates. Heather, a freshman, is still rehabbing a stress fracture in her knee and is running primarily in the pool.

- Sophomore Leela Hadsock, a music education major, plays several instruments and participates in a local orchestra.

- Sophomore Chris Catanach is the nephew of UT's Hall of Fame volleyball coach of the same name.

Must-see meet

UT Early Bird Classic, Sept. 14 at Brandon Trails

The Spartans host one meet, and it's a big one.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3353.

[Last modified August 25, 2007, 23:42:35]