INDIANA, Pa. – IUP head cross country coach Joey Zins announced the addition of two women's runners as the 2021 early signing period started this month. The two will join the Crimson Hawks program in the fall of 2021. 

The pair of Pennsylvanians are Alex Isbell from Enola and East Pennsboro High School and Lauren Mehler from Sharpsville and Sharpsville High School.

"We are very excited to welcome both Lauren and Alex to our cross country and track teams in 2021," said Zins. "Both are excellent students in addition to having the ability to help our women's team continue to improve. We hope this is the beginning of a strong 2021 incoming class."

The runners also compete in track & field and have the ability to compete for the Crimson Hawks in distance events during the indoor and outdoor seasons. 

Cross country to compete in spring 2021
After seeing the fall 2020 season suspended in July and then canceled earlier this month, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) is now permitting championships in men's and women's cross country during the spring semester. 

"We are grateful and excited for the opportunity to have a spring cross country season," said Zins. "The past 8-9 months have been difficult on everyone. Our team has continued training and working hard so that we will be ready as soon as we are able to return to competition. This is something we have missed dearly and cannot wait to get back out there."

The PSAC is working to finalize competition dates with championships expected in late March. 

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For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP cross country on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPtrack_XC.