Teenage athlete Larry Marshall Jr. is making quite an impact on the cross country scene since joining Saint Augustine's College in Raleigh, North Carolina this summer.

The 19-year-old has wasted little time in convincing school coaches that they were correct in awarding him a track scholarship - those signing him now hoping that their ailing men's long-distance running team will be revitalised with his presence after struggling for several years in the shadow of their prominent women's team.

Marshall is privileged to work with the school athletic director

George Williams and his assistant Damon Sterling, the former the coach of the United States track team which will take part in the 2004 Olympic Games in Greece.

The young Bermudian, who placed fifth in this year's annual Marathon Derby in a time of 1.13.17 - behind winner Kavin Smith's time of 1.20.11 - has had several accomplishments in recent weeks at Saint Augustine's.

Having finished in the top 20 in his first four cross country races, including a second place finish at Greensborough, he won his fifth race in rainy, muddy conditions over a hilly 5k course, beating his closest challenger by 40 seconds.

Marshall followed this up 12 days later by finishing second in the CIAA Championships, covering the five-mile event in 26.51, a performance that saw him named to the All Conference team.

The race was won by a teammate who ran 26.12 to successfully defend his title.

Marshall is preparing for the Division Two South Regionals to be held on November 9 where the top two finishers, either as individuals or a team, will qualify for the Division Two National Championships in Ohio on November 16.

"I have spoken with the coaches and they are very impressed with Larry, they feel he is progressing nicely,'' said his father Larry Marshall Sr.

"They feel he has met all expectations and we feel that the knowledge he has picked up locally from road running and track has helped him considerably.''