Get to know your Orange Runners: Chelsie Pennello and Mickey Burke

While the Syracuse Orange cross-country teams continue to hold steady in the latest coaches rankings, we continue our runner profiles. Today we look at two redshirt sophomores looking to crack the Top-7 this Fall: Chelsie Pennello and Mickey Burke

Name: Chelsie Pennello

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Poolsville, MD

High School: Poolsville

2015 Performances: Did Not Compete

2014: 9th at Harry Lang Invitational, 19th at John Reif Memorial Run

Margo Malone says:

After struggling with some injuries the past years, Chelsea is healthy and ready to race. With months of hard work and a relentless attitude, there is a new spark of fire in her eyes. Chelsea is also a great support system for all the girls: her caring personality holds the team together.

Kevin’s Preview:

Chelsie’s started 2016 on a strong note with a 10th place finish in the opener and a 30th place finish at Penn State. Both performances put her in the 7th spot for the Orange which is a good start for a runner who missed last year’s XC season. We’ll see if Chelsie is able to maintain this position throughout the season, but she is among the group of runners helping to provide depth to the team this season.

Adrian Kraus-USA Today

Name: Mickey Burke

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Henrietta, NY

High School: Rush-Henrietta

2015 Performances:

Wisconsin Meet of Champions- 18th place in B race

Coast-to-Coast Battle- 35th place

Spiked Shoe Invitational- 22nd place

Harry Lang Invitational- 4th place

Martin Hehir Says:

Here's another guy who has benefited greatly from the leadership of his 4th and 5th year teammates. He knows what takes to earn a spot on the NCAA team and wants nothing more than to be on the podium with them this year. He trained all summer with the older guys and brings good vibes to the group.

Kevin’s Preview:

A lot was expected of Mickey as he came into Syracuse after a 4th-place finish in the Foot Locker Championships in his senior year at Rush-Henrietta. It was tough for anyone to crack the top 7 last year for the Orange, so it would be too early to write off a runner with Mickey’s talent. His time might not come again this year, but if he can stay focused, he’ll be a key contributor before his Syracuse career ends.

If you missed any of the previous previews, you can catch up here:

Sydney Leiher and Justyn Knight

Shannon Malone and Colin Bennie

Mary Malone and Joel Hubbard

Stephanie Bitcon and Philo Germano

Paige Stoner and Adam Palamar

Madeleine Davison and Iliass Aouani

McKenzie Altmayer and Adam Visokay