Engel Announces the Elon 2014 Cross Country Recruiting Class

ELON, N.C. – Elon University head men’s and women’s cross country coach Christine Engel announced the addition of five student-athletes to her women’s squad and four runners to the men’s program on Friday, June 13.

Joining the women’s side for the Phoenix in the fall will be Brigid Brennan (Northport, N.Y./Northport High School), Alicia DeCastro (Lincoln, R.I./La Salle Academy), Carolyn Hopkins (Buffalo, N.Y./Williamsville South), Macey Schweikert (Burke, Va./James W. Robinson) and Corey Weiss (Short Hills, N.J./Millburn High School).

“I’m very pleased with the talent in the women’s recruiting class this year,” said Engel. “As we transition to the (Colonial Athletic Association), I know this group will help us build on the level of success we’ve reached this past year and surpass it. They each have impressive resumes, including multiple runners who have earned All-American honors.”

The Phoenix men will welcome the quartet of Carlos Andino (Tampa, Fla./HB Plant High School), Sam Geha (Savannah, Ga./Benedictine Military School) Justin Leopold (Northport, N.Y./Northport High School) and Dominic Vernazza (Chatham, N.J./Chatham High School).

“The four men we are adding to the program all have great passion for the sport,” added Engel. “They also possess the work ethic and drive to be successful at the collegiate level. ”

Brigid Brennan (Northport, New York/Northport High School)
Personal Records: XC 5K – 18:02; 3,000-meters – 9:57; 1,500-meters – 4:37

Awards and Accolades
• All-American in the 4xmile (2010) and 4×800-meters (2011)
• All-County in cross country from 2009-13
• Four-time All-Country performer in track (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
• Three-time All-State performer in the 4×800 (2010, 2012, 2013)
• Named the Team MVP in track in 2013

Personal
• Daughter of Maureen and Daniel Brennan
• Member of the National and Language Honor Society

Alicia DeCastro (Lincoln, Rhode Island/La Salle Academy)
Personal Records: 1,500-meters – 4:47.50; 800-meters – 2:15.99

Awards and Accolades
• Three-time All-State performer in the 4×800-meters (2012, 2013, 2014)
• All-State performer in the 4×400-meters (2013, 2014)
• 2013 Indoor All-American in the 4×800-meters and DMR
• 2013 Outdoor All-American in the 4×800-meters and DMR

Personal
• National Honor Society Member
• Daughter of Theresa Magoon and Joe DeCastro
• Intends to major in business management

Carolyn Hopkins (Buffalo, New York/Williamsville South High School)
Personal Records: XC 5K – 18:24; 2,000-meters steeplechase – 6:50; 3,000-meters – 10:07

Awards and Accolades
• 2013 All-American in 2,000-meter steeplechase
• Finished third in the steeplechase at the 2013 New Balance Outdoor Nationals
• Earned a spot on the New York All-State cross country team

Personal
• Daughter of Rick and Marie Hopkins
• Member of the National Honor Society
• Intends to major in exercise sports science

Macey Schweikert (Burke, Virginia/James W. Robinson High School)
Personal Records: One-mile – 4:50.45; 1,000-meters – 2:49.63; 800-meters – 2:11.47; 3,200-meters – 10:45.27; XC 5k- 18:00;

Awards and Accolades
• 2014 Indoor Track All-American in the mile
• Finished sixth in the mile at the 2014 High School Indoor National Championships
• 2013 Outdoor State Champion in the 1,600-meters
• 2014 Indoor State Champion in the 1,000-meters

Personal
• Daughter of Jen and Kent Schweikert
• Intends to major in exercise science

Corey Weiss (Short Hills, NJ/Millburn High School)
Personal Records: 5K – 18:55; 1,600-meters – 5:08; 3,200-meters – 11:10

Awards and Accolades
• Four-time cross country team MVP
• Four-time First Team All-Essex County selection in cross country
• Two time conference champion in the 3200m and the high jump
• First Team All-Essex County in the 3200m

Personal
• Daughter of David and Fiona Weiss
• Intends to major in exercise science

Carlos Andino (Tampa, Florida/HB Plant High School)
Personal Records: XC 5K – 16:29; 1,600-meters – 4:27.0; 800-meters – 1:59

Awards and Accolades
• 2014 Outdoor State qualifier in one mile
• Three-time State qualifier in cross country (2011, 2012, 2013)

Personal
• Son of Carlos and Tracie Andino
• Intends to major in political science

Sam Geha (Savannah, Georgia/Benedictine Military School)
Personal Records: 5K – 16:13; 1,600-meters – 4:23.48; 800-meters – 1:59.84

Awards and Accolades
• Individual 2012 Region 2AA Cross Country Champion
• Fourth-place finish at the 2013 2A Cross Country State Championships
• Three-time first team member of the All Greater Savannah Boys Cross Country Team
• Three-time first team selection on the All Greater Savannah Boys Track and Field Team

Personal
• Son of Oliver and Hilary Geha
• Member of the National Honor Society
• Intends to major in economics

Justin Leopold (Northport, New York/Northport High School)
Personal Records: 5K XC – 16:07; 3,200-meters – 9:29; 1,600-meters – 4:27.0; 800-meters – 1:58.0

Awards and Accolades
• All-State in the 4×800-meters (2013)
• All-League in the 1,600-meters (2013)
• Two-time All-County in cross country (2012, 2013)

Personal
• Son of Louise and Karl Leopold
• Member of the National Honor Society
• Intends to major in finance

Dominic Vernazza (Chatham, New Jersey/Chatham High School)
Personal Records: 800-meters-1:58.63; 1,600-meters – 4:29.1; XC 5K – 16:14

Awards and Accolades
• Three-time first team All-Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
• All-County cross country team (2013)

Personal
• Son of Libby and John Vernazza
• Intends to major in communications