The George Mason University men's cross country team proceeds into the 2002 cross country season with a different agenda in mind compared to its opponents. Of course, the cross country team will focus on winning more events as well as placing high at the Colonial Athletic Association Championships, but the overall focus, according to Coach Dalton Ebanks, is on conditioning.

"We want to do well at the CAA cross country championships, I would say that is our main goal," says Ebanks, "but we also want the kids to be healthy, stronger and in better condition at the end of the cross country season."

Ebanks continues to emphasize that the work and effort that they put in will pay off in the long run, not just in cross country but in track and field as well. And he will look towards juniors Mashel Jackson and Ben Sommers to influence the rest of the team with this ethic.

Jackson will start his second season at George Mason, after transferring from GC Foster College. Coach Ebanks sites that since his first year at George Mason, Jackson has improved physically as a college-level runner and has mentally matured to show more promise of his potential this season.

Expected to be assets this season as well are Sommers (Nashua, NH/Nashua HS) and freshman Arjun Dabir (Reston, VA/South Lakes HS). Sommers placed in the top 20 at the George Mason Fall Classic with a season-best time of 27:06.79 and could possibly contend as a top runner in the CAA. Dabir joins the Patriots this season after having a respectable cross country career at nearby South Lakes. As a freshman, Dabir will be called to contribute immediately to the team.

The Patriots will host its annual George Mason Invitational on Oct. 5 as well as the CAA Championships on Nov. 2. Both meets will be held at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, VA.