ITHACA, N.Y. -- Senior Stephanie Pancoast and junior Nate Edelman were selected as the most valuable performers of the 2009 Cornell cross country season, announced on Tuesday night at the team's annual banquet.

Continuing a tradition that dates back nearly 90 years, the banquet was held at the Varna Methodist Church and recognized the Big Red athletes on their season. The Big Red men finished tied for third at the Heptagonal Championships, with Edelman representing Cornell at the NCAA Championships in Terre Haute, Ind., finishing 93rd at that meet. The women's team, meanwhile, finished fourth at the Heptagonal Championships at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, N.Y.

Pancoast also received the John Moakley Award, given to the senior who has done the most for Cornell cross country, and the John Reif Award for overall excellence. A pair of freshman were honored, as Genna Hartung claimed the Lou Montgomery Most Valuable Freshman award and Kelsey Karys took home the Fifth Woman Award. The most improved award went to junior Kristin Sellers. Current junior Maura Carroll was named team captain for the 2010 Cornell cross country season.

On the men's side, senior Brad Bogdan was a double winner, claiming the award for the Fifth Man and the John Reif Award for overall excellence. Brett Kelly was named the Lou Montgomery Most Valuable Freshman, with senior Joel Frost-Tift receiving the most improved award. The John Moakley Award for the senior who has done the most for Cornell cross country went to Charlie Hatch. Current junior Matt DeSilva was named the captain for the 2010 Cornell cross country team.