Hagopian Excited to Lead Sharks Back for 2021 Season

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Following an abbreviated season, a year ago, head coach Bryan Hagopian and the Nova Southeastern men’s and women’s cross-country teams are looking forward to competing once again in 2021, opening their fall slate with a preseason race on Sat., Aug. 28 at St. Thomas (Fla.).

Last season, the men’s team placed tied for sixth at the Sunshine State Conference Championship meet, while the women finished in a tie for fifth. This year, the Sharks are looking to re-establish themselves on the national stage.

“We are excited to have a full schedule this season, and I believe that we will be extremely competitive,” said Hagopian. The men’s team is led by returning runners Zachary Pizzo and Adrien Zambaux, in addition to transfers Justin Haber, Joseph Salerno and Cote Strike.

“We have a few new athletes that are ready and hungry to make history,” added Hagopian. “Our leaders, paired with a developing freshman class, should set us up for a strong showing at both the conference and regional meets.”

NSU’s women’s cross-country team welcomes back reigning SSC Freshman of the Year Ivanova Yanes, along with All-SSC runner Maya Espinosa.

“I believe that both Ivanova and Maya have a great chance to qualify as individuals for NCAA Cross Country Nationals,” continued Hagopian. “Additionally, I think that we have enough depth with returners and incoming student-athletes to make a team bid for nationals.”

Following the season-opening meet against STU, the Sharks will travel to Palm Beach Atlantic (9/4), racing at the Rinker Athletic Complex, before traveling to Tallahassee to compete in the Florida State Cross Country Open on Fri., Sept. 17. NSU will then race in the Florida Runners meet at Holloway Park in Lakeland, Fla. on Fri., Oct. 1, followed by the 2021 regular-season finale with a split-squad at Alabama-Huntsville and St. Thomas (10/9).

The SSC Championship will be run on Sat., Oct. 23 at Holloway Park. Both the NCAA Regional Championship (11/6) and the NCAA National Championship (11/20) will run from the Abby Golf Course in Saint Leo, Fla.

To stay up-to-date with all the latest on the Sharks cross country and track & field teams, follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @NSU_XCTF, and Facebook at /NSUXCTF.
 

Print Friendly Version

Source