New Look New Orleans Cross Country Welcomes New Athletes to 2019 Roster

NEW ORLEANS - For the first time in two years the University of New Orleans Cross Country program is opening up its 2019 season by hosting the UNO XC Opener on Friday, August 30 at Lake Oaks Park and they will be doing so with a reloaded roster.
 
The Privateers are a new-look squad this year on both the men's and women's side as the men's squad will feature nine new student-athletes to go with six returners while the women's group boasts nine new athletes to go with Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year and Louisiana Cross Country Athlete of the Year in sophomore Arina Kleshchukova. 
 
Excitement around the program is high with this being the first full year that distance coach Brock Moreaux has been at the helm of the cross country program after being a late hire to UNO Athletics in the Fall of 2018. 
 
The men's and women's teams set program records in 2018 with both finishing with the lowest team point total recorded at the Southland Conference Championships in program history.
 
With so many new faces added to the mix, what better way to hear straight from the source on what each of them brings to the table as Coach Moreaux breaks down his incoming class that features 18 new student-athletes in total. 
 
MEN'S SIGNEES
 
Jesus Gutierrez: "I am excited to add Jesus to the squad because of his experience in the sport. Jesus is a transfer from Glendale Community College in Los Angeles and will have two years of eligibility with us. He knows the ropes of being a good collegiate athlete so I am excited to have him help step in to lead our young squad."
 
David Hidalgo: "David is another immediate impact to our cross team this year. David is transferring in from California State Northridge and had a successful freshman campaign. I have no doubt once he gets on campus he will fit right in like this is his home."
 
Cade Litolff: "Cade is a young talent that I am excited to see open up this year. He is from right up the street at Brother Martin High School and had a big senior year after putting together a healthy winter/spring. He is a grinder, so I am excited to watch him work!"
 
Alex Soileau: "Alex is another in-state talent that is already showing big jumps after a good summer. Alex is from Ville Platte, Louisiana and placed third at St states in the 1600m running a big personal best on the day. It shows he can step up when it counts and I have no doubt he will fit right in."
 
Kristian Oatman, Kolyn Saltzman and Julian Silva: "Kristian, Kolyn, and Julian were all mid-year transfers for us this past January and I have to show them some love. They are three hard workers that have already made a big impact on the program in just a few months with the team. Look for them to keep come in strong this cross season after learning the ropes in the Spring of 2019 with their experience on the track."
 
WOMEN SIGNEES

Michelle Folk: "Michelle is a really dedicated and hard-worker. She put together a really good fall and winter in 2018 and it showed big her senior year. She will work great with the young group we have coming in."
 
Lainey Harlow: "Lainey is a very smart student-athlete who had great performances in high school both in California and Nevada. I am excited to see what she can do with the quality training group she will have to train with."
 
Allie Louis: "Allie is a transfer from Mesa Community College in Arizona who brings some experience to our young team. I am really excited to have Allie to help push our group of young athletes as she continues to excel in her academic and athletic career."
 
Brianna Lucas: "Brianna is from the dynasty high school program, Great Oak, in Temecula, California. She knows what it takes to be a national caliber athlete, as well as the power of a team. I am excited to watch her bring that sort of energy to our squad as we become a program to watch out for."
 
Anna Martin: "I am really excited to have Anna join the program. She is a very committed student-athlete who loves to excel in everything she does. Can't ask for much more than that!"
 
Phoebe Poche: "I am excited to bring some Louisiana love to the squad! Phoebe is a very talented athlete from Dutchtown with a great personality that will draw the team together."
 
MEN'S AND WOMEN'S WALK ONS
 
To go with the seven men's and six women's signees the squad is also adding Dominic Robinson, Guillermo Rodriguez, Jantrell Drakes, Heidi Menier and Jade Talazac as walk on athletes.
 
"We are excited to add all of these athletes to the men and women's XC team," Moreaux said when reflecting on the last of his new squad. "Cross country is a team sport and there is no doubt that there is strength in numbers. Each one of these athletes brings a valuable aspect to the team that will help us become successful."
 
The UNO XC Opener will begin with the women's 4000m race at 6:00 PM and will be followed by the men's 5000m race at 6:45 PM. The event is FREE for all students and supporters and results will be available following the conclusion of the meet on UNOPrivateers.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA
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