PAXTON, Mass. – The Worcester State University men's cross country team finished in fifth place overall out of six teams at the Worcester City Cross Country Meet at Moore State Park this Saturday.
Worcester State totaled 122 points overall. The team's overall average time was 32:27 for the five mile run. Western New England finished ahead of the Lancers with 97 points and an average time of 30:24.
All of Worcester State's individuals who placed for the team were a freshman-sophomore combination.
Worcester State's freshman Michael Ricci (Peabody, Mass.) was the first Lancer to finish, placing 16th overall with a recorded time of 28:48. Ricci was the third freshman finisher overall at the meet.
"Mike continues to gain valuable experience running the file mile races," said head coach Al Halper. "Each week he seems to get a little more consistent. He also has ran each race extremely well as a freshman."
The next Lancer to cross the line was freshman Christian Vera (Worcester, Mass.) with a recorded time of 30:33. "Christian has gained from each race and is still learning how to balance his pace over the first couple of miles with the back half of the race," said Halper.
Not far behind for the Lancers was junior Will Whearty (Wapole, Mass.), finishing 34th overall with a time of 30:42. This was Whearty's first race of the year and gave it a solid effort. "With Will back, racing will strengthen the team with weeks to come," said Halper.
Finishing up for the Lancers was freshman Eric Sanford (Peabody, Mass.) (35:55) and sophomore Tyler Royek (Pembroke, Mass.) (36:17).
"As we move to the second half of the season, expectations are high since our entire team will be able to compete," said Halper. "The skill level is there and as this large group gains necessary racing experience at the 5mile/8K distance, the talent will show through".
The men's cross country team will travel to Rhode Island Community College next weekend for the Tri-State Invitational on Saturday, October 3.
Overall Team Scores:
- WPI (15 points)
- Clark (Mass.) (58 points)
- Fitchburg State (95 points)
- Western New England (97 points)
- Worcester State (122 points)
- Anna Maria (176 points)
Full Results Can Be Found HERE