The men’s cross country team eagerly returns to school this year, despite their rigorous training schedule. With their legs set on another conference championship, the Panthers are ready to let the real work begin.

Panthers head coach John McInerney stated the season is going pretty solidly and he is very pleased with much of the work that has already been put in this summer. Though he warns it is very early, he still anticipates a great season.

Runners returned to Eastern a week prior to the start of classes to begin this season’s training.

“A pretty large percentage of the team has returned this year,” McInerney said.

And with some of their hardest work-outs behind them, the bar has been set.

Helping to set that bar is fifth-year senior, Jeff Jonaitis. Left in other runners’ shadows during previous years, Jonaitis has helped the team to its many victories.

“As kind of suspected, (Jonaitis) has done a real nice job of taking up the leadership role this year,” McInerney said. “Jackson Johnson has also stepped up to the challenge, and I am trying to put some emphasis on the sophomores to do the same.”

Returning All-Conference runners include Jonaitis, Johnson, Jake Stout and Dan Strackeljahn.

McInerney has confidence in the returning runners and the new freshman.

“We have the physical talent to win conference, but it all depends on how tightly we become as a team and how serious we are when that day comes,” McInerney said.

He confessed the competition will be tough, possibly tougher than it has been.

The team is going to have to work especially hard this year in order to capture its title again.

“We return four of the top 10 All-Conference runners, but Eastern Kentucky returns three of the top five All-Conference runners,” McInerney said.

McInerney not only disclosed information about other competitive teams but also, about competition among the men on Eastern’s team. He is looking at 12 guys right now and will be watching them closely, up until he must pick his top eight runners for the conference meet.

McInerney said he expects to see good things this weekend when Eastern travels to Northern Illinois for the team’s firts meet of the season.