Aug. 31– The Golden Bears head into the 2004 Cross Country season with one of the best squads in CSP history. But head coach Jonathon Breitbarth knows not to place too much pressure on the team, as it is also one of the youngest in school history as well.

"I am not putting any pressure on them, but simply trying to get them adjusted as quickly as possible," Coach Breitbarth said of the young squad.

The Bears will begin their season this weekend in Collegeville, Minn. at the St. John's Invite. The men are expected to have six runners compete this weekend, while the women will showcase four.

Marcus Breitbarth will be the lone fourth year runner for the men and is joined by three first year runners (Andy Jones, Paul James, Aron Stumvoll), and two second year runners (Hassan Guyo, Kyle Warren).

The women feature three first year runners in Amanda Mueller, Shae Wallin and Jen Carbone with Jessica Johnson being the veteran of the group in her second season. Kaitlin Hartnett, another first year runner, is doubtful for the weekend due to injury.