STENUF NAMED E8 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Epstein, Sirtoli also named all-conference

Nick Stenuf

Brendan Epstein

Aaron Sirtoli

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (Oct. 23, 2006) -- Nazareth junior Nick Stenuf, competing as a cross country runner for the first time, has been named Empire 8 Conference Rookie of the Year for 2006.

Stenuf, a track and field All-American last year during both the indoor and outdoor seasons, placed sixth at the Empire 8 Conference championship meet last Saturday at Saratoga State Park. He also was a first-team all-conference selection.

Representing Nazareth on the second team were juniors Brendan Epstein and Aaron Sirtoli.

Stenuf, of East Syracuse, N.Y. and a graduate of East Syracuse-Minoa High School, played soccer at Nazareth in 2004 and 2005, but joined the cross country team this fall. In placing sixth last Saturday, Stenuf covered the 8-kilometer course in 26 minutes, 30 seconds.

Epstein, of Moravia, N.Y. and a graduate of Moravia High School, finished eighth in Saturday's meet, just 11 seconds behind Stenuf in 26:41. Epstein was a first-team E8 all-star in 2004 and 2005. Epstein also was singled out as Nazareth's representative on the Empire 8 Sportsman of the Year Team. He was among the conference runners who distinguished themselves as outstanding sportsmen and consistently exhibited traits that were in line with Nazareth's educational mission.

Sirtoli, of West Winfield, N.Y. and a graduate of Mt. Markham High School, made an immediate impact on Nazareth's cross country team after transferring from Mohawk Valley Community College. He placed 12th at the conference championship meet with a time of 26:59.