After miles of running, Binghamton University is gearing up for brand new season of cross country.

The Bearcat teams have been struggling to prove that there was so much more that could be accomplished. The main obstacle to BU success has been injuries to key runners. With a healthy team for the first time in two years, the Bearcats look to have their best seasons.

“This is the most talented team we’ve had since I’ve been here,” ninth-year head coach Annette Acuff said. “This team is both highly motivated and committed to being successful. We just need to stay healthy.”

On the men’s team, two of their most prolific runners are coming off medical redshirt seasons last year. Senior Adam Hill and junior Chris Gaube each were plagued by injuries last fall but have made their mark during the track and field seasons. Gaube was third in the 5,000-meters at the 2008 America East Indoor meet and Hill finished seventh in the 3,000. Considering their efforts on the track, BU can expect an even better fall than two years ago when Gaube and Hill finished top-five every race.

“We look for both Chris and Adam to contribute significantly this season both on and off the course,” Acuff said. “Chris has helped build the program tremendously.”

Acuff made a significant pick-up in transfer Erik van Ingen. He ran his freshman year at Cansius and placed 67th at the NCAA Northeast Regional. A standout at Marathon High School, van Ingen has already competed for BU last spring, placing fourth in the 1,500 meters.

Last season the Bearcats had to rely predominantly on freshmen as the team dealt with injuries. With a lot riding on their shoulders, the freshmen responded well, leading the men’s team to a sixth-place finish in the America East Championships. These conquering heroes return a year later with more experience, more confidence and a deep team.

Sophomores Andrew Ugolino, Gerald McDonald, Casey Quaglia and Adam Quinn are the core of that freshmen team and will now contribute and add depth to a team that has always lacked consistency late in the season.

Big things are expected for this team this season, as they have never looked so good on paper.

“I expect us to be competing for any of the top three spots in the conference this year,” Acuff said. ”I think that is a realistic goal for our program.”

The women’s side of the team looks to improve on a disappointing season. Injuries claimed the high expectations of the Bearcats last season, such as seniors Katie Radzik and Jamie Schulte. They are looking to rebound and use the experience of last year’s freshmen class to improve.

Radzik, a two-time all-conference runner, and Schulte could not shake off their injuries, but Acuff sees them fit for the season.

“Katie and Jamie are both coming back in great shape from the summer,” Acuff said. “They are highly motivated seniors and I look forward to seeing them finish their careers on a great note.”

Last year’s freshman sensation and team MVP, Ashley Horton, looks to be the key to the Bearcats success this season. She led the team in every race last season, placed 16 in the AE championship and fifth in the Eastern College Athletic Conference championship. Acuff sees her consistent hard work to be her biggest asset.

“Ashley had a great freshman year and has been a very consistent runner for us. You can rely on her meet after meet to turn in her best effort.”

Sophomores Sarah Veith and Kim Law look to have better seasons. Veith finished third for the Bearcats at the AE championships a year ago. Law looks to crack the top-five of the team this season.

Freshman Ryann Cretney is the top recruit for BU this season. She is a Lansing High School graduate that never competed in cross country but was an extremely successful track runner. She has the potential to be running with the front of the team.

Both the men’s and women’s teams will look for their best season in program history. As long as they stay healthy, it appears more than likely.

Cross Country kicks off its season at Oregon Ridge Park for the Baltimore Metro Cross Country Meet on Friday at 5 p.m.