In his first year as head coach of the Pirates Cross Country program, Joe Sponsel discusses his background, inheriting a great team culture, hosting his first cross country event at SU, and more. The men's team finished third last season in the SCAC Cross Country championships, including placing two men, Brian Armijo and Xander Bailey on the SCAC All-Conference team. The women closed 2022 with a fifth-place finish in the conference, however, Coach Sponsel fully expects both teams to close the gap on the opposition in conference competition this season. With back-to-back home race events in September, the Pirates have the opportunity to hit the ground running in 2023.