Men’s Cross Country Finishes Fifth at University of New England Invitational

BIDDEFORD, Maine – The Worcester State University men's cross country team finished fifth of 12 teams at the University of New England Invitational on Saturday, as Wentworth came in first place with a team score of 48.

THE BASICS
September 9, 2017
Rotary Park

TEAM SCORES
1^st Place: Wentworth (48)
2^nd Place: University of New England (59)
3^rd Place: Endicott (96)
4^th Place: Roger Williams (148)
5^th Place: Worcester State (153)
6^th Place: Gordon (162)
7^th Place: Mass. Maritime (174)
8^th Place: Maine Maritime (209)
9^th Place: Thomas (242)
10^th Place: Wheelock (271)
11^th Place: Lesley (318)
12^th Place: Mount Ida College (332)

WORCESTER STATE TOP-7
11^th Place, Christian Vera (29:17.0)
26^th Place, Marques Johnson (30:38.6)
35^th Place, Robert Davis (30:38.6)
44^th Place, Zachary Lajeunesse (31:30.0)
48^th Place, Patrick Scheeler (31:40.8)
63^rd Place, Jack Newcomb (32:24.1)
72^nd Place, Patrick Donahue (33:13.8)

COACHES CORNER

Coming off a strong first meet performance last week, the Worcester State Men's Cross Country team had expected this week to show up to the UNE Invitational at full strength with hopes of vying this year for the overall title. That was not to be as the team was devastated by a viral bug that hit at least half of the squad, including the coach, during the week. As a result, the team goals and focus were adjust as only ten athletes competed. Coach Al Halper challenged his guys to step up and that they did. 

"Given the team circumstances, I saw an opportunity to rest some of our guys back into recovery from the illnesses and a couple of guys who could benefit from this week off from racing. In essence, almost my entire top seven sat this one out. The good thing is, the guys were able to turn this negative into a huge positive. Those that did step on the starting line were largely developing runners who were told to be more aggressive this week and run to push their comfort zone and they all did just that. "

Halper said further, "Of this group, only Christian Vera has been a consistent top seven competitor for the team and he was the top Lancer today in 11^th place overall. Three others, Pat Scheeler, Rob Davis, and Jack Newcomb have also been among that top group at times. I was also extremely pleased with the progress of the freshmen crew."

"Our top freshman, Dan Roy, was among the group that sat this race out, but the others stepped it up and challenged themselves throughout the race. To a man, every one of the guys ran well today. As their progress continues, they will contribute even more down the road. I was extremely pleased with freshman Zack LaJeunesse who ran his first 8K collegiate race and is still feeling out the race and running strategy at this point and is becoming more competitive as he does."

Halper concluded by stating, "Today, I started out a little worried, but sometimes the adversity a team faces tells its character. This team at the early stages of the season, seems determined to be a top competitive team. We are a deep team when 100%. As the season goes on, our strengths will show themselves. For now, we will take on one week at a time and make the necessary adjustments to continue to be successful. Today, some of the guys who don't also get to make a difference, made a difference. That can only help them and their teammates be better each week both psychologically and athletically."

UP NEXT

The cross country team will travel to Dartmouth, Mass. next Saturday (Sep. 16) to take part in the UMass Dartmouth Invitational.

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