Cross country teams win fifth place at MAACs

By Shareef Hardin

Through hard work, human beings tend to dazzle themselves with their sustained accomplishments and pats on the back.

Even though the cross country teams kept increasing progress through strong efforts, the teams ultimately came up a little short this past weekend at the rocky terrain of Van Cortlandt State Park in Riverdale, N.Y., where the MAAC cross country championships were held.

After finishing fifth overall (out of 10 teams), both teams expressed disappointment with their performances, not only because medals were on the line, but because pride was, too.

“I think the kids fought hard with a lot of heart and passion,” said Assistant Coach Bob Hamer.

On the men’s side, sophomore Matt Dahl placed 14th overall, covering the 8,000 meter course in 26:20.8. As a result, he was awarded All-MAAC honors.

“It’s a really hilly course,” said Dahl, who, because he attended a high school with a hilly course, was ready for the challenge. “I really took advantage of the downhill.”

Furthermore, junior John Smith finished third for Rider (22nd overall at 26:53.7), marking the first time Smith did not finish first among the Broncs, ending his remarkable streak at 16 meets.

Other members of the team felt that they failed to give their best effort. With the conference having so many squads with talented distance runners – such as Iona, which is ranked No. 3 in the nation – it became increasingly difficult to compete as time progressed.

“We were hoping to be third but we ended up getting fifth,” said junior Jeff Stead, who finished 16th overall out of 116 runners with a time of 26:27. “I missed the All-MAAC team by one spot.”

For the women’s team, sophomore Andrea Campbell finished first for Rider (16th overall) by completing the 6,000 meter course in 23:20.7.

Sophomore Kelly Wojciehowski finished 20th among the 121 runners, completing the course in 23:41:4. Likewise, freshman Kelsey Kohler finished 24th overall in 23:55:9.

“All underclassmen ran well,” said Hamer, who is in his fourth year as an assistant coach. “The women had a really great year and they fought hard and didn’t lose any spots in the back roads.”

Although freshman Kelly Dissinger felt that her team did extremely well at this meet, she felt that the only downfall, personally, was that she could have done better.

“Considering the weather and that we were nervous I think we did well even though we only finished fifth as a team,” said Dissinger. “The course is really hard, the back hills are hard and you have to stay focused.”

Both teams prepare for the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regionals in less than two weeks. The teams hope to carry their improvements into their next meet.

“The only way to stay up there is to work,” said sophomore SeanKelly McCauley. “It’s the only thing you can do. With injuries we have had to train harder than other teams. Now we look towards the Regionals and then indoor.”