The 1998 Cross Country season in the Mid-American Conference will prove to be the test the Bulls have been waiting for. By winning 17 conference championships in the last 13 years, Buffalo was the perennial power in its previous four conferences. With teams that are ranked in the top 25 yearly, the MAC will undoubtedly challenge Buffalo like no other has done before. The University at Buffalo enters its inaugural season into the Mid-American Conference.

On the men's side, Coach Dave Hartzell leads a young but talented team. Heading the charge are his co-captains, Patrick Nolan -Jr. and Sam Burroughs -Jr.. In his first year, Nolan was awarded the Mid-Continent Conference Newcomer-of-the-year by finishing 11th overall at the conference championship. Last year as a sophomore, Nolan was the Bulls' front runner and team MVP. He looks to improve for the 1998 season. Burroughs, always a cross country scorer, will share responsibilities leading the team. He was the recipient of last year's UB Cross Country's Most Improved Runner Award. Other harriers that should round out the scoring team, will be Anthony David -So. (UB's highest finisher at last year's conference championships), Eric Czubaj -So. (returning from an injury-plagued first year), Dana Lukin -Sr. and Edward Tuttle -Jr. (also returning from injury).

The Women's team is coached by Dick Barry. He leads a talented team that includes several returnees. His team emphasis lies in its depth. There are a number of harriers who will challenge for the top spots. They include co-captains Jennifer Folckemer -Jr., who was named the 1996 Newcomer-of-the-year, and Casey Spencer -Jr., a 1996 First-Team All-Conference Harrier, as well as Laura Folckemer -Jr. (1996 Second-Team All-Conferenced and twin sister of Jennifer), Eileen Rose -So. (1997 Second-Team All-Conference), Marie Macander -Jr. (1996 Second-Team All-Conference), Kimberly Nielsen -Sr., Theresa Humennyj -Jr. and Freshman newcomer Lisa Luce. After a disappointing 1997 campaign, Barry looks to regain some Bulls' pride.