Dartmouth, MA --- The Worcester State Men's Cross Country team, in the midst of a season of major rebuilding, picked up the intensity and made significant progress this week. While having a somewhat slow start to the season, the team moved closer to running at the level comparable to their abilities. Though still running behind last year's pace, the improvement from last week was evident.
Senior Forest Wilber was the first Lancer finisher in 40th place completing the 5 mile course in 25:55. In a competition, that included six of the eight MASCAC conference schools, Wilber was the second MASCAC finisher among his rivals. Backing up Wilber for the second week was senior Chris Mancuso. Mancuso, who was somewhat undertrained this summer is working to get back to his previous form and as he continues to contribute.
Senior Andrew Rossi, in much the same scenario as Mancuso, raced significantly better this week to finish as the third Lancer in the race. Rossi should continue to improve as he regains his form after having taken some time away from competition during the track season last year.
Sophomore RJ Stahelski continues to make progress each week. Primarily a middle distance runner, Stahelski is still adapting to the longer collegiate cross country distance of 5miles/8K. Despite, his lack of experience, he was the fourth Lancer to finish, running just 6 seconds off his best time on this course, run late in October last year. Rounding out the top five was junior Norman Everett who improves his personal best times almost weekly. In this race, Everett was 1:42 ahead of his time last year and had a course PR of 1:03.
There is much work ahead of this squad as they continue to strive to be competitive in the conference again this year. With the Worcester City meet ahead this week, the Lancers hope to move one step closer with another work of increase intensity and focus on improvement through hard work and desire.
Release Courtsy of Al Halper --- Men's Cross Country Coach