Cross country is usually a team sport, but one local runner is prepared to begin his college cross country career as a team of one.

Cory Steinhagen enjoyed four years of high school running and lettered in three of those years with the most successful Knoch High School cross country team in the program's history. The 2005 Knoch boys' team finished 12th in the Pennsylvania State Championship.

Steinhagen plans to attend Butler County Community College this fall to major in business administration. Although he found that cross country is not among the six intercollegiate sports sponsored by the college, Steinhagen wasn't ready to retire as an interscholastic runner.

Steinhagen approached BC3 athletic director Rob Snyder about starting a cross country program at BC3. "He was receptive to the idea," Steinhagen says.

Snyder says for this season the college is "gauging interest" in a cross country program. "We do our best to accommodate students' interests," he said, "but for now, there are many concerns that have to be worked out."

Those concerns include finding funding for coaches, insurance, training and travel expenses. Travel costs could be high because opportunities to compete within the NJCAA are limited in our area. Snyder says he hasn't investigated the costs because, as he says, "No one has brought this up in a long time."

Neither Snyder nor Steinhagen remember the days when BC3 had a competitive cross country team. Other than a few photos of past All-Americans, the athletic department has lost track of the great teams of the '70's.

For this season, cross country will be considered a club at BC3. If interest builds, the program could become a full collegiate sport. Butler County Community College would compete with 37 men's and 33 women's Division III cross country teams under the National Junior College Athletic Association.

Jeff Leya, coach of the newly formed Allegheny County Community College cross country team understands the difficulties of starting a new sport. This will be the team's first official season as it took time to identify and attract eligible and interested students.

"We're just putting our schedule together," Leya says. "We hope to compete with some local teams —- 2-year or 4-year programs."

Because of the club sport designation, funds are limited for this year's BC3 program. The college will pay Steinhagen's entry fees to the NJCAA regional meet in Hagerstown, Md. and the National Championship in New York. Steinhagen will fill in his own competitive schedule with invitational meets at Slippery Rock, Gettysburg and others.

In addition to funding from the college, local sponsors have committed to getting a program going. Mizuno Corporation has agreed to provide uniforms for Steinhagen's fledgling team.

It can be difficult to train as a team of one. Steinhagen runs with his former Knoch teammates at least once a week.

"I've been training all summer," Steinhagen says. "Coach Brahler's helping me get in shape for competition."

Wess Brahler, varsity girls and boys cross country coach at Knoch High School, has agreed to help other interested BC3 students train for competition this fall.

Cory Steinhagen would love to see cross country become a full collegiate sport at BC3. Team scoring requires a minimum of five runners. Steinhagen would like to recruit at least seven men and seven women as a roster. He invites any students interested in forming a team to contact him or to sign up at the college orientation Aug. 21 at the main campus.

Interested students may phone Cory Steinhagen at 724-352-9429 or email corysteinhagen@yahoo.com to find out about training and competing for the cross country club. Students can also contact Rob Snyder at the Butler County Community College Athletic Department with questions about registration and eligibility with NJCAA. Call 724-287-8711 or email rob.snyder@bc3.edu

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Parkersburg News and Sentinel Half Marathon, Parkersburg, WV. Rolling loop from downtown through West Virginia countryside; major race with cash prizes, post race pizza luncheon. No race day registration. 304-485-1891 or www.NewsandSentinel.comSaturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. Run on country roads. 724-898-2525 or www.runpa.comSaturday, 9 a.m.: Accelerate (XLR8) Your Health 5K, Highland Park. Also one mile event at 10:15 a.m., benefits inner city youth fitness programs. 412-225-9190 or roford@state.pa.usSunday, 6 p.m.: Run for the Trail 7K Run/ Walk, Indiana. Run on Dilltown Ghost Town Trail, sponsored by Indiana Road Runners Club. 724-349-7402 or jswauger@comcast.netWednesday, 6 p.m.: Running Wild Group Run, Hartwood Acres. Road and trail with friends. 724-444-5311August 25, 9 a.m.: Run for Shelter 5K, Butler. Run through VA Medical Center grounds benefits local homeless providers. 724-287-4011 or alane@ccpgh.orgAugust 25, 9 a.m.: Hamstring Hustle 5K/ 2.5K, Clintonville. Also ¼ mile kids run for ages 10 and under, starts at Clintonville Community Park. 814-385-6515 or sandrock@zoominternet.netSeptember 3, 9 a.m.: Labor Day 5K Classic, Washington. Fastest 5K in Western PA.724-222-0750 or labordayrace@yahoo.comSeptember 8, 8 a.m.: Saxonburg Festival of the Arts 5K, Saxonburg. Run through scenic small town, part of weekend festival. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.comSeptember 15, 9 a.m.: Crooked Creek Triathlon, Crooked Creek State Park. 724-548-5716 or carl@kittaning.comSeptember 15, 8 a.m.: The Ultimate Road Test Run and Walk 14.7 Mile Race, Cadiz, OH. Rugged run or walk on rural road. 740-946-5631 or mickeys@eohio.netSeptember 30, 8:30 a.m.: City of Pittsburgh Great Race 10K, Frick Park, Pittsburgh. 412-255-2493 or www.RunGreatRace.comSeptember 30, 9:30 a.m.: City of Pittsburgh Great Race 5K, Oakland, Pittsburgh. 412-255-2493 or www.RunGreatRace.comOctober 6, 8 a.m.: North Allegheny County Chamber of Commerce Classic Half Marathon and 5K, North Park. 724-934-9700 or www.naccc.comOctober 7, 8 a.m.: Steamtown Marathon, Scranton. Fast course. 1-800-270-0544 or www.steamtownmarathon.com

Sharpsville 5K, June 27: Jeff Nelson, 1st Overall M, 17:06; Meredith Hubbard, 1st Overall W, 19:30; Cindy Grimm, 3rd Overall W, 22:54; Brian Forester, 2nd 35-39 M, 18:36; Rich Makin, 1st 50-59 M, 18:36; Jon McCullough, 1st 45-49 M, 18:42; Mitch Radella, 2nd 40-44 M, 19:02; Curt Grimm, 2nd 50-59 M, 20:16Hampton Township Firecracker 5K, July 4: Josh Eddy, 1st Overall M, 15:27; Jerry Maher, 2nd Overall M, 17:15; Alex Lochner, 3rd Overall M, 17:26; Lauren Hensler, 1st Overall W, 20:31; David Vaccarello, 1st 15-19 M, 18:13; Scott Kelly, 1st 20-24 M, 21:38; Tara Fagan, 1st 20-24 W, 21:40; Mark Blasinsky, 3rd 45-49 M, 22:16; Tyler Alan, 3rd 12-14 M, 22:36; Laura Hillock, 1st 40-44 W, 24:13; Katie McLaughlin, 2nd 20-24 W, 24:16; Katie Evans, 2nd 15-19 W, 24:28; Jacki Yingling, 1st 30-34 W, 24:35; Jeffrey Yingling, 2nd 50-54 M, 24:35; Jessica Usner, 3rd 15-19 W, 24:44; Mary Morgan, 1st 45-49 W, 25:09; Heather Batykefer, 3rd 25-29 W, 26:44; Bonnie Alan, 3rd 45-49 W, 26:58; Brooks Robinson, 2nd 8-9 M, 28:05; Alex Orkwis, 3rd 8-9 M, 29:02; Jerry Burns, 3rd 60-64 M, 29:26; Max Robinson, 1st 7 & Under M, 30:00; Ruth Reubi, 1st 70+ W, 32:17; Grace Robinson, 1st 7 & Under W, 35:41; Colin Galey, 19:04; Ryan Frankowski, 19:23; Ryan Alan, 19:57; Eric Dian, 20:19; Dave France, 21:55; Adam Dian, 23:06; Ed Adams, 24:26; Kevin Davis, 24:46; Lauren Robinson, 24:52; Doug Saklad, 25:00; Greg Alan, 25:23; Dennis Acon, 25:27; Brian Kirkpatrick, 26:02; Geoffrey Long, 26:38; Chris Lochner, 27:25; Stephanie Robinson, 28:01; Terry Fuller, 28:39; Todd Orkwis, 29:03; Ryan Whelan, 29:08; Emma Reed, 29:31; Julianna Reed, 29:31; Jim Reed, 29:32; Taylor Robinson, 30:01; Reagan Whelan, 31:10; Michelle Robinson, 35:40; Danielle LeFeure, 36:40; Mary Winek, 46:44; Andrea Grada, 49:42; Doreen Grada, 50:04; Joshua Winek, 50:24; Duffy Winek, 50:58; Roger Dice, 52:48Middlesex Community Days 5K, June 30: Darrell Voll, 1st Overall M, 18:30; Alyssa Kunkel, 1st Overall W, 20:18; Jake Montag, 1st 15-19 M, 19:19; Karl Zellars, 1st 20-29 M, 19:38; Preston Brown, 1st 14 & Under M, 20:25; Kale Cimperman, 2nd 15-19 M, 20:26; John Ciafre, 1st 50-59 M, 20:44; Paul Kletzli, 3rd15-19 M, 21:08; Ken Zellars, 2nd 50-59 M, 21:24; Gretchen Perschke, 1st 20-29 W, 22:39; Craig Lutzir, 1st 30-39 M, 22:44; Tom Sabo, 2nd 40-49 M, 22:49; Sara Robb, 1st 15-19 W, 22:55; Meghan Howes, 2nd 20-29 W, 22:57; Steve Russell, 3rd 50-59 M, 23:09; Emily Dunn, 2nd 15-19 W, 23:37; David Howes, 2nd 20-29 M, 23:38; Megan Kosar, 3rd 15-19 W, 23:40; Patricia Neubert, 1st 50-59 W, 23:42; Mark Lamantia, 3rd 40-49 M, 23:59; Gino Lamantia, 2nd 14 & Under M, 25:02; Wendy Recio, 1st 40-49 W, 25:10; Mary Morgan, 2nd 40-49 W, 25:20; Cyndie Delucia, 1st 30-39 W, 25:38; Melanie Miller, 3rd 20-29 W, 26:09; Kevin Musk, 3rd 20-29 M, 28:32; Lynn McKinney, 2nd 30-39 W, 29:24; Lisa Moss, 3rd 40-49 W, 29:28; Cyndey Butler, 1st 14 & Under W, 29:56; Carol Langer, 2nd 50-59 W, 31:40; Margretta Lutz, 1st 60+ W, 32:04; Judy Mizzi, 3rd 30-39 W, 35:25; Annetta Hardt, 2nd 60+ W, 48:58; Brenda Ross, 3rd 50-59 W, 53:56; Andy Knauff, 22:40; Dennis Acon, 25:16; Emily Williamson, 26:46; Ed Doyle, 26:50; Matthew Vehri, 28:55; James McEvoy, 29:39; Dave Knauff, 31:18; Tasha Dubnansky, 31:40; Carolyn Twentier, 35:26; Brian McKinney, 36:59; Mary Ehmann, 37:44; Martha Flemming, 44:32; Lorraine Vehri, 44:34; Alaine Pappert, 46:37; Lisa Chotkowski, 48:58; Henry Knauff, 53:41; Michelle Goodworth, 53:57Middlesex Community Days Kids Run, June 30: Justin Landry, 2:42; Ryan Landry, 2:43; Kyle Butzine, 2:47; Maura McKinney, 2:53; Leo Lamantia, 2:57; Kelly Wilkerson, 3:26; Shane Fox, 3:31; Madison Butler, 4:33; Shane McKinney, 4:44; Jackson Fox, 9:02Presque Isle Half Marathon, July 15: Gregory Byrnes, 1st Overall M, 1:14:24; Herb Cratty, 5th Overall M, 1:19:50; Melissa Schaeffer, 1st Overall W, 1:25:59; Leslie Kramer, 2nd Overall W, 1:29:10; Joel Schaeffer, 1st 30-34 M, 1:21:49; John Neff, 3rd 30-34 M, 1:23:27; Kim Smith, 1st 20-24 W, 1:32:53; Bob Gracie, 3rd 55-59 M, 1:38:47; Mark Pugh, 1:39:45; Theresa Crispin, 3rd 19 & Under W, 1:44:27; Christine Murray, 2nd 50-54 W, 1:52:24; Michael Dreves, 1:24:14; Jeff Leya, 1:28:42; Damian Skal, 1:34:18; Robert Pawlowski, 1:37:22; Rita McClelland, 1:44:41; Sarah Thompson, 1:46:23; Mark McCullough, 1:46:44; Bill Swanik, 1:48:11; Chris Cutone, 1:48:45; Allison Plummer, 1:50:19; Doug Saunders, 1:50:56; Madeline Sigler, 1:51:35; Stacy Juchno, 1:52:28; Beth Lehman, 1:52:50; Wayne Toy, 1:54:47; Kelli Hartman, 1:55:46; Ron Hartle, 1:57:38Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert, 435 cherry Valley Rd., Saxonburg, Pa. 16056. Phone or fax 724-352-4395. Email bigp16@connecttime.net