FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Albanese, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Media Relations

SOMERS, Wis. (Sept. 13, 2012)-- The University of Wisconsin-Parkside men's and women's cross country programs continued a Ranger tradition of community involvement and service on Saturday, August 25, volunteering at the River Bend Nature Center in Racine.

The Rangers assisted in clearing trails of overgrowth, pulling out and trimming plants and removing invasive species that have popped up along the scenic trails at the 78-acre nature preserve. Contributing four hours worth of work, the UW-Parkside cross country team enjoyed the experience and anticipates coming back to volunteer in the future.

"This was a natural fit for us," said Ranger coach Micah VanDenend. "We're always looking for soft surfaces and beautiful places to run and its only fitting to give back and encourage the continued operation of these venues."

The Rangers opened the cross country season on Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Midwest Open at the Dannehl Cross Country Course. The UW-Parkside men captured the team title at the 12-team event, anchored by the performance of Great Lakes Valley Conference Runner of the Week Jesus Escareno, who placed second in the 8,000-meter race in 26 minutes, 21.6 seconds. The UWP women placed second among the 17-team field with Jessica Watychowicz placing runner-up, finishing the 5,000-meter course in 17 minutes, 57.7 seconds.

UW-Parkside returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 29, competing at the University of Minnesota's Roy Griak Invitational.