For Immediate Release: March 10, 2008
Contact: David O'Brian (dobrian@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-6478

Binghamton track and cross country adds pair of distance runners

VESTAL, N.Y.-- The Binghamton University track and cross country programs have announced the signing of two distance runners. Both athletes signed a National Letter of Intent.

On the men's side, Erik Van Ingen (Marathon, N.Y.) is a transfer from Canisius College. As a freshman last October, he placed 74th out of 230 runners at the NCAA Northeast Regional Meet. He will compete as a freshman during upcoming outdoor track season and as a sophomore next fall on the cross country team.

Van Ingen is a 2007 graduate of Marathon High School, where he finished third at the Class D New York Cross Country State Meet and 24th at the Northeast Footlocker Regional. In track & field, he won the 800 state title (1:52.18) and was 13th at the Nike Outdoor National Meet.

"We are very excited and fortunate to have Erik join our program," Binghamton head cross country coach Annette Acuff said. "His ability to run competitively at 10,000 meters in cross country and 800 meters in track will enhance our distance program significantly. Erik will help our program advance to the next level."

On the women's side, Ryann Cretney (Lansing, N.Y.) is currently a senior at Lansing High School. As a junior, she placed ninth overall in the 2,000 Steeplechase at the New York State Division I and II meet. Her personal best in that event is 7:10.29. Cretney will join the cross country and track teams for her freshman season in 2008-09.

"We're very pleased Ryann is coming to Binghamton," Acuff said. "She is a natural fit for our program and will contribute right away as a freshman in both cross country and track. I look forward to seeing what she will achieve and help our program achieve while at Binghamton."