DARTMOUTH, Mass. - The Worcester State University's men's cross country team marked a 14th place finish out of a strong field of 33 teams across the divisions this afternoon at the UMass Dartmouth course.
"Continuing with the team "pack" strategy, the squad again had a large contingent of Lancer runners within a minute of each other and some impressive improvement of times run last year on this course by veterans," stated head coach Al Halper.
The top five were within 40 seconds of one another, and eleven runners broke the 30 minute barrier in either the varsity or the sub varsity race.
Top Lancer team finisher this week was sophomore Christian Vera (Worcester, Mass.) who improved his time from last year by two minutes to break 27 minutes for the first time in his college career.
"This was the best cross country race of Christian's career so far at Worcester State," stated Halper. "I have been trying to get him to commit to a faster pace earlier in the race and today, he was aggressive and with his commitment to training over the past year into his sophomore season, he was ready to take on the challenge. Not only did he run his best time, but this was his first top Lancer finish."
Right behind him was sophomore Michael Ricci (Peabody, Mass.) who ran a minute faster than last year. Halper said of Ricci, "Mike has been the top team runner since he arrived last year at 27:31. It is good that he continues to improve and now has several others of his teammates to press him and give him some competition for the lead spot. Though it brings on the pressure, it changes the approach to it."
Halper then added, "With the strong pack of runners close together each race, and with Christian, Mike and freshmen Richard Custodio (the 3rd Lancer finisher) leading the pack week to week, results will continue to show stronger team performances every time we compete. As our top runners get closer to the front each week, it is our hope that more of the pack also hooks on and continues to step it up."
Completing the top eight in the varsity race were sophomores Joseph Grider (Hopedale, Mass.) and Robert Davis (Acton, Mass.), juniors Devin Luce (Milford, Mass.) and Patrick Scheeler (Wakefield, Mass.), and senior Will Whearty (Wapole, Mass.).
Having exceptional sub varsity races were sophomores Carlos Nieves (Clinton, Mass.) who also ran two minutes faster than his freshman year, John Newcomb (Chelmsford, Mass.), and senior Brett Robinson (Westborough, Mass.). They all ran under the 30 minute threshold to help the sub varsity team finish 9th overall against other sub-varsity squads from those schools who have large squads.
Halper noted that the season is still in its early stages and as the team continues to gain more experience with 8K running tactics as well as just working together as a tight team, more success will follow.
The coach noted, "After the race today, we talked about keeping our focus, working on "the little things" and maintaining our desire to be a top level team. These guys are one of the most committed groups I have had the pleasure to coach in some time. The chemistry is great and they all work hard without having to be told each time."
"I said it last week and I will say it again…It has been a fun year so far," concluded Halper.
On Friday (Sep. 23), the Lancers host the Worcester City Meet scheduled for a 4:40 p.m. start time for the men at Moore State Park in Paxton, Mass.