Get to know your Orange runners: Shannon Malone and Colin Bennie

It’s Day Two of this year’s “Get to Know Your Orange Runner” feature. This year, alums Margo Malone and Martin Hehir have contributed their thoughts as we look at the anticipated top 10 from the men’s and women’s squads. Up next are Shannon Malone and returning All-American Colin Bennie

Phillip Elgie- Daily Orange

Name: Shannon Malone

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

High School: Northern Hills

2015 Performances: Did not compete in cross country

Margo Says: Shannon had a breakthrough track season placing sixth in the ACC 10k. Since the Spring, she has put in consistent training and is ready for her first cross country season racing for Syracuse (transferred from UVA). She is a fierce competitor and a great leader for the team.

Kevin’s Preview:

Shannon didn’t compete last Fall, but the Virginia transfer is coming off a strong Outdoor season. As Margo mentioned, her 6th place finish in the ACC 10k is a good sign for her ability to contribute to the Orange this Fall. That result shows her ability at the longer distances and as the weather turns colder, and the courses become geared towards strength over speed, this should increase her value to the women’s team.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Name: Colin Bennie

Year: Junior

Hometown: Princeton, Mass

High School: Wachusett

2015 Performances:

NCAA Championships- 8th place

NCAA Northeast Regional- 2nd place

ACC Championships- 4th

Wisconsin Meet of Champions- 6th

Coast-to-Coast Battle- 4th

Spiked Shoe Invite- 1st

Martin Says: This guy's spirit animal is a pitbull. One of the toughest men on the squad, Colin leads by example and can always be counted on to finish well in races when it matters. Last year he went under the radar and finished top 10 at XC Nationals; this year he's no underdog, but the pressure will only make him work harder.

Kevin’s Preview: Colin took a lot of people by surprise with his 2015 season. He’s emerged over the last year and a half as one of the most talented distance runners in the country and last year’s 8th place finish solidified his standing . Colin was named one of five runners to watch this season, but at this point, he isn’t going to surprise anyone. People who follow the sport know that he’s legit, and with Justyn Knight, he gives Syracuse arguably the best 1-2 combination in the country.

Syracuse’s next race is this Saturday at the Penn State Spiked Shoe Invitational. Stay tuned as we continue to preview the teams with the “Get to Know Your Orange Runner” series.