The Wildcats headed back to Franklin park last Saturday to compete in the New England cross country championship.
The Women’s team shined, finishing 4th out of the 24 teams competing in the race with a point total of 127. Unlike the previous races the women’s team ran earlier this year, the team seemed to have a better feel for the 5K run as they were a top finisher on the day. Senior Meg Champagne finished in 4th place overall in the race with a time of 18 minutes and 17 seconds distinguishing her as a top runner in the race.
Riley Gilmore was the next top finisher for the ‘Cats, finishing in 22nd place with a time of 18 minutes and 42 seconds. The grad student improved her time from the race last year finishing 20 seconds quicker.
First-year runner Eleonora Olsmats finished the race in 29th place with a time of 18 minutes and 59 seconds. With this time Olsmats also set her new personal record on a 5K.
Other runners included Madeline Quigley who finished 30th with a time and 18 minutes and 59 seconds and Caroline Mahoney who placed 37th with a time of 19 minutes and six seconds.
Boston College won the meet for the women with a score of 27 while having 3 of their runner’s place in the top five. Following them was MIT in second and Quinnipiac in third. Natalie Bettez from Tufts won the race with a time of 17 minutes and 57 seconds.
The Men’s team placed 13th of the 26 teams competing in the 8K race with 296 total points. The ‘Cats also had four of their five runners set personal records during the race. UMass Amherst won the Men’s race with a point total of 84.
Leaky Kipkosgei from American International won the Men’s race with a finishing time of 24 minutes and 8 seconds.
Maxwell Ireland was the top performer of the ‘Cats Men’s team finishing 31st with a time of 25 minutes and 46 seconds. The first-year student from Ireland set a new personal record for his 8K time by over 30 seconds as he continues improving during his breakout season.
Next to finish was Brett Hoerner for the ‘Cats coming in 43rd place with a time of 25 minutes and 55 seconds. Closely following him, senior Dean Yost set a new personal record with a time of 25 minutes and 57 seconds placing him in 45th.
Junior Jack Crawford finished in 74th also setting a new personal record with a time of 26 minutes and 23 seconds. Last but certainly not least, first-year runner Matthew Walker showed promise also setting a new personal best with a time of 26 minutes and 54 seconds coming in 102nd.
Both teams will be getting a much-needed week of rest this week before traveling to Central Connecticut to compete in the CCSU mini meet on Friday Oct. 19th for a tune up match. UNH will then compete in the American East Cross-Country Championship on Oct. 27th.