La Crosse, Wis. - Viterbo University cross country coach John Metelko continued to build the V-Hawk's men's program today by announcing that Brookwood High School runner Alex Hefner (Wilton, Wis.) and Marian University runner Michael Lessor (Kaukauna, Wis.) have committed to running cross country at Viterbo this fall. Hefner and Lessor become the third and fourth male runners to join the V-Hawk's squad this spring.

Hefner was a letter winner in cross country and wrestling for the Brookwood Falcons. During his senior year Hefner captained his cross country and wrestling teams and was named Brookwood's wrestler of the year. Besides athletics, Hefner is also a member of the National Honor Society and Brookwood's Student Council.

"Alex is not only a good athlete, but also a very good student," said Metelko. "He is going to be one of a group of new freshmen that will help turn the program into a consistent contender for our conference championship."

Lessor will join the V-Hawk's team after finishing his freshman year at Marian University. In his first year of collegiate cross country, Lessor was consistently Marian's second finisher and ran a personal record time of 28:58.5 for 8 kilometers at the 2009 Midwest Regional race. Lessor will have three season of eligibility to compete at Viterbo.

A 2009 graduate of Kaukauna High School, Lessor lettered in track and cross country for the Ghosts. Lessor will major in Nutrition and Dietetics at Viterbo.

"I think that Michael will add a lot to our program over the next few years because of the fact that he enjoys competing, he has a great work ethic and attitude. He proved this past year that he can handle the 8-K distance well, and I think that he will continue the long line of outstanding Wisconsin runners who have made a big impact on our program."

Hefner and Lessor will join the men's cross country team which finished fourth overall in the Midwest Collegiate Conference in their second season.