Editor's note: The Colonial League cross country meet takes place after Catasauqua Press deadlines. Look in next week's edition for more on the meet.

Catasauqua first-year head cross country coach Kyle Rusnock was looking forward to the Colonial League Cross Country meet Wednesday.

He realizes the odds might have been stacked against his group of runners who have been thrust into the spotlight this season, but Rusnock also is confident his harriers are peaking at the right time.

"Every week, they are getting better," said Rusnock. "All of them have been lowering their times. We know we needed to run some of our best times and the field will be loaded, but these guys are ready for this.

"I know some of them will surprise some people.

Anchoring the field for the Roughies will be Jake Rusnock, who has been running under 18 minutes over the past two weeks. His best time was 17.18 in a meet at Palisades.

"Jake (Rusnock) has an outstanding shot at doing pretty well," said the coach about his nephew. "He really has been working and he has an outside shot at getting under 17.

"But I know he do what he can to get near the top."

Rusnock is also optimistic about Spencer Phillips and Randall Pacchioli, both of whom have been consistent this season. Ernesto Lora, who is a soccer player, has also been a contributor to the program.

Their results at league meet took on a different look as former standout Anthony Brinkley has moved onto college. However, Rusnock remains optimistic his crew can draw some attention and some can possibly continue to the upcoming district meet.

"It really has been a learning year for us and we have accomplished more than few of our goals," he said. "The kids have really worked hard from the start and it is starting to pay off for them.

"It has been a good year and we're looking to make it better."