HIGH POINT, N.C. – High Point University men's cross country head coach Mike Esposito has announced the addition of two student-athletes who will suit up for the Panthers this fall.
 
The Panthers welcome incoming freshmen Bryan Gonzalez (Rochelle Park, N.J.) and Alejandro Torres (Elche, Spain) for the 2015 season.
 
Gonzalez earned four varsity letters in cross country and track at Hackensack High School, where he was a three-time all-conference selection. He served as team captain for both cross country and outdoor track during his senior campaign.
 
Gonzalez holds personal bests of 2:06 (800m), 3:18 (1200m), 4:31 (1600m), 9:44 (3200m), 16:10 (5000m) and 27:55 (5 mile run).
 
"Bryan is going to be an excellent fit for our program," Esposito said. "He's going to far exceed what he did in high school because of his work ethic and his attitude. He really wants to be here and is excited for the opportunity."
 
Torres competed for C.E. Cheste school where he was ranked in the top-20 in Spain for cross country. He also held the No. 3 secondary school mark in the nation in the 2000m steeplechase and was No. 5 in the U-23 division in the 1500m, where he holds a personal best of 3:49.74.
 
"Alejandro is going to come in ready to contribute right away," Esposito said. "He brings a lot of international experience and has a wide racing range from cross country to mid-distance events in track. He should compete for one of our top-5 spots."
 
High Point returns four of its top-7 runners from a year ago, including 2014 Big South Runner of the Year and individual conference champion Jeff LaCoste. The Panthers also return all-Big South selections Ryan Udvadia and Paddy Grandinali, as well as seniors Benji Szalai and Cody Seymour and juniors Vinny Todaro and Chernet Sisay.
 
HPU won the Big South title in 2014 while posting a program record six all-conference selections. The team then placed seventh at the NCAA Southeast Regional, which tied for the best ever finish in school history.
 
"The potential of this team is obvious," Esposito said. "It's going to be a stiff challenge to repeat as Big South champions, but we certainly should be in the mix to win the conference meet. The league's competition level is going to be better this season, which will position us better at the regional level."

#GoHPU