June 29, 2004

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Continuing the summer-long series "Top Terp Moments," the next highlight of the year was cross country freshman Peter Hess being named ACC Freshman of the Year after finishing sixth at the conference championships in Winston-Salem, N.C. Hess, running in just his third collegiate 8K competition, finished sixth out of 69 runners with a time of 24:35.1. He not only earned a spot on the All-ACC team for his performance, but was also named the conference's Freshman of the Year.

Below is the complete announcement of Hess's accomplishment, but be sure to check out a complete recap of the Terrapins' competition at the conference championships and complete results from the meet.

Nov. 4, 2003
Maryland's Peter Hess Earns Accolades After ACC Championships
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Just three days after Peter Hess stunned the crowd at the men's ACC Cross Country Championships, the freshman from Toms River, N.J. is the recipient of three honors for his remarkable performance. Hess received All-ACC honors, in addition to being named the ACC Freshman of the Year and Maryland Student-Athlete of the Week.

Hess led the way for Maryland at the conference meet in Winston-Salem, N.C., finishing in sixth place in the field of 69 runners in his third collegiate 8K competition. The young Terp garnered tremendous praise from head coach Trent Sanderson for his 24:35.1 time.

"Peter Hess was absolutely amazing," Sanderson said. "He made the All-ACC team, which is an incredible accomplishment, especially for a freshman. He was making a break for the finish line and everyone around us was asking 'who is this guy'-he really made a name for himself, in the midst of a truly talented group of runners."

The top 10 finishers in the men' and women's races were named to the All-ACC team, and the top freshmen finishers were deemed the Freshman of the Year.

2003 ACC Men's Cross Country All-Conference Team
1. Andy Smith, NC State (24:13.1)
2. Chad Pearson, NC State (24.19.6)
3. Will Christian, Virginia (24:21.6)
4. Joep Tigchelaar, Florida State (24:24.7)
5. Devin Swann, NC State (24:34.2)
6. Peter Hess, Maryland (24:35.1)
7. Sean Stevens, Wake Forest (24:36.2)
8. Ian Hornabrook, Florida State (24:39.7)
9. Allen Bader, NC State (24:40.1)
10. Wesley Smith, NC State (24:41.2)