As we near the end of the cross country season, the men’s team is looking to finish the season strong. With only three races left, the team needs to keep in stride through to Nationals. With a win last Saturday, the team realized their biggest goal; winning their third consecutive New York State Collegiate Track Conference Cross Country Championship. When asked if there were any remaining goals for the end of the season, captain John Johnston ‘12 stated, “The goal is to try and hit podium at NCAA’s. We want to stay in the top ten but we definitely want to do better than tenth. I think that we have the potential to hit podium. We came in third last year, and I think we have as good a group as we did last year.”
To achieve their goal of a national standing, the team will have to rank high within their region. According to this past week’s standings the Saints are ranked tenth nationally, but first regionally. If the Saints can keep their regional rank at first and second, the team would get an automatic bid into Nationals. When asked what his personal goals were, John stated, “My personal goals are to do what I can to get the team on the podium. I’m holding myself to a standard and I know all the other guys are as well.”
The team has been working hard this season, doing everything they can to be as good as they can be. “The team is not only running every day, we are doing supplemental stuff. We are seeing the trainers when need be, recovering properly, getting into the gym, and trying not to overlook anything. I think this year’s work ethic has been top notch,” John explained.
The team will be heading to Vassar to race in the Liberty League Championship this weekend, to defend their title. When they return home the team will host the NCAA Atlantic Regionals on Saturday November twelfth. This will be one of the best and largest races of the year, so make sure to go and cheer on your men’s and women’s cross country teams.
