Once again, our program led the MAAC in the number of All-Academic selections after the cross country championships. Here is the press release on www.goredfoxes.com.
It has been a matter of debate as to whether our roster -- specifically, our men's XC roster -- is too big. But there is no debate as to the quality of our student-athletes (with the key word being "student") and that is something of which to be proud.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Random MAAC thoughts …
I know I have posted a lot of numbers in the past few entries here (Prinz, you must be in heaven). Allow me to follow up with some actual words now, regarding Friday’s successful MAAC meet at Van Cortlandt Park …
Women’s meet: What a great day for our program, and a thrilling meet to watch and to coach! At one point, I turned to my assistant coach du jour Posch and said: “You know, Bill, if the meet ended right now we would win!” Our ladies got out hard but in control, establishing position and proving we meant business. And yes, at the 1-mile mark, we were leading.
Now, that’s all well and good. But at Vanny, you gotta earn it in the Back Hills. And our ladies certainly did that, and more, from my perch near the bridge. It was thrilling to see our women charging out of the Back Hills and ready to kick to the finish. All those Bowdoin Park hill repeats paid off!
It was great to see senior Addie DiFrancesco bust out with a breakthrough race, despite having a rough week of aches and pains before the meet. Addie went out hard, mixed it up with the Iona women, and made it stick from start to finish. It set the tone for the entire team.
Coach Chuck deserves a lot of praise for preparing the women’s team well – physically and mentally. He provided a great race plan, and the team executed it to near perfection. He mentioned the boatload of 6km PRs – Vanny and otherwise – that were achieved, as well as the vast overall program-wide improvement over the MAAC meet from two years ago here.
It was a great day, and really just the beginning for a team with an extremely bright future.
Men’s meet: The Iona men’s team is in the MAAC, but they are literally in a league of their own. The Gaels won their 21st consecutive MAAC title and they are ranked 10th nationally right now. For them to sweep a MAAC meet is not unheard of, and that’s what they did.
After their 1-2-3-4-5 sweep, though, it was gratifying to see our three leaders go 6-7-8. After that, though, we witnessed the growth and strength of the MAAC, as Rider and Fairfield both ran extremely strong meets and challenged us for our traditional second-place standing. We hung on for the seventh year in a row, but it was not easy.
And again, that is mostly due to other teams’ running strongly. Top to bottom, our men ran a very good meet with a ton of Vanny PRs. There were a few exceptions, but for the most part it was an excellent effort for our team.
The MAAC meet is the beginning of the championship season. We now switch our focus to the NCAA Regional, to be held for the first time in Buffalo, in two weeks; and after that, the ECAC/IC4A Championships in three weeks, back at Van Cortlandt Park. Championship Season is what our athletes have been working toward for months, and it was good to start off on a positive note at MAACs.
Women’s meet: What a great day for our program, and a thrilling meet to watch and to coach! At one point, I turned to my assistant coach du jour Posch and said: “You know, Bill, if the meet ended right now we would win!” Our ladies got out hard but in control, establishing position and proving we meant business. And yes, at the 1-mile mark, we were leading.
Now, that’s all well and good. But at Vanny, you gotta earn it in the Back Hills. And our ladies certainly did that, and more, from my perch near the bridge. It was thrilling to see our women charging out of the Back Hills and ready to kick to the finish. All those Bowdoin Park hill repeats paid off!
It was great to see senior Addie DiFrancesco bust out with a breakthrough race, despite having a rough week of aches and pains before the meet. Addie went out hard, mixed it up with the Iona women, and made it stick from start to finish. It set the tone for the entire team.
Coach Chuck deserves a lot of praise for preparing the women’s team well – physically and mentally. He provided a great race plan, and the team executed it to near perfection. He mentioned the boatload of 6km PRs – Vanny and otherwise – that were achieved, as well as the vast overall program-wide improvement over the MAAC meet from two years ago here.
It was a great day, and really just the beginning for a team with an extremely bright future.
Men’s meet: The Iona men’s team is in the MAAC, but they are literally in a league of their own. The Gaels won their 21st consecutive MAAC title and they are ranked 10th nationally right now. For them to sweep a MAAC meet is not unheard of, and that’s what they did.
After their 1-2-3-4-5 sweep, though, it was gratifying to see our three leaders go 6-7-8. After that, though, we witnessed the growth and strength of the MAAC, as Rider and Fairfield both ran extremely strong meets and challenged us for our traditional second-place standing. We hung on for the seventh year in a row, but it was not easy.
And again, that is mostly due to other teams’ running strongly. Top to bottom, our men ran a very good meet with a ton of Vanny PRs. There were a few exceptions, but for the most part it was an excellent effort for our team.
The MAAC meet is the beginning of the championship season. We now switch our focus to the NCAA Regional, to be held for the first time in Buffalo, in two weeks; and after that, the ECAC/IC4A Championships in three weeks, back at Van Cortlandt Park. Championship Season is what our athletes have been working toward for months, and it was good to start off on a positive note at MAACs.
VCP All-Time List: Best Team Performances
Top team performances in school history at Van Cortlandt Park (through October 2011)
1-MAAC Championships, October 28, 2011
Will Griffin 25:03.4
Matt Flint 25:04.0
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:32.0
Tommy Lipari 26:19.1
Ken Walshak 26:25.4
Total time, top 5: 2:08:23.9
Average time: 25:40.6
2-ICAAAA Championships, November 20, 2010
Matt Flint 25:11.5
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:25.4
Will Griffin 25:32.6
Ken Walshak 25:47.8
Tim Keegan 26:32.6
Total time, top 5: 2:08:29.9
Average time: 25:42.0
3. ICAAAA Championships, November 22, 2008
David Raucci 25:13
Girma Segni 25:43
Tim Keegan 25:49
Will Griffin 25:54
Conor Shelley 26:04
Total time, top 5: 2:08:43
Average time: 25:44.6
4. Iona Meet of Champions, September 20, 2008
Girma Segni 25:01.4 (school record)
David Raucci 25:19.1
Conor Shelley 25:33.8
Matthew Flint 26:25.2
Tim Keegan 26:28.5
Total time, top 5: 2:08:48.0
Average time: 25:45.6
5. MAAC Championships, October 27, 2006
Girma Segni 25:17.0
David Raucci 25:38.7
Conor Shelley 25:46.1
John Keenan 26:18.4
Justin Harris 26:40.0
Total time, top 5: 2:09:40.2
Average time: 25:56.0
6. ICAAAA Championships, November 18, 2006
David Raucci 25:32.9
Girma Segni 25:37.5
Justin Harris 26:10.9
Conor Shelley 26:12.5
Tom Williams 26:27.8
Total time, top 5: 2:10:01.6
Average time: 26:00.3
7. MAAC Championships, October 26, 2007
Girma Segni 25:21.0
David Raucci 25:29.8
Mike Rolek 26:04.0
Conor Shelley 26:16.5
John Keenan 26:56.7
Total time, top 5: 2:10:08.0
Average time: 26:01.6
8. Metropolitan Championships, October 6, 2006
Girma Segni 25:15.5
David Raucci 25:45.2
Conor Shelley 25:54.4
Justin Harris 26:33.1
Mike Cator 26:43.2
Total time, top 5: 2:10:12.9
Average time: 26:02.6
9. ICAAAA Championships, November 17, 2007
Girma Segni 25:36
David Raucci 25:38
Mike Rolek 26:10
Conor Shelley 26:19
Adam Vess 26:49
Total time, top 5: 2:10:32.0
Average time: 26:06.4
10. ICAAAA Championships, November 18, 2000
Mike Nehr 25:58.7
Jason Grady 26:04.7
Jamal Padgett 26:09.7
Greg Salamone 26:11.6
Pat Driscoll 26:28.6
Total time, top 5: 2:10:53.5
Average time: 26:10.7
1-MAAC Championships, October 28, 2011
Will Griffin 25:03.4
Matt Flint 25:04.0
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:32.0
Tommy Lipari 26:19.1
Ken Walshak 26:25.4
Total time, top 5: 2:08:23.9
Average time: 25:40.6
2-ICAAAA Championships, November 20, 2010
Matt Flint 25:11.5
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:25.4
Will Griffin 25:32.6
Ken Walshak 25:47.8
Tim Keegan 26:32.6
Total time, top 5: 2:08:29.9
Average time: 25:42.0
3. ICAAAA Championships, November 22, 2008
David Raucci 25:13
Girma Segni 25:43
Tim Keegan 25:49
Will Griffin 25:54
Conor Shelley 26:04
Total time, top 5: 2:08:43
Average time: 25:44.6
4. Iona Meet of Champions, September 20, 2008
Girma Segni 25:01.4 (school record)
David Raucci 25:19.1
Conor Shelley 25:33.8
Matthew Flint 26:25.2
Tim Keegan 26:28.5
Total time, top 5: 2:08:48.0
Average time: 25:45.6
5. MAAC Championships, October 27, 2006
Girma Segni 25:17.0
David Raucci 25:38.7
Conor Shelley 25:46.1
John Keenan 26:18.4
Justin Harris 26:40.0
Total time, top 5: 2:09:40.2
Average time: 25:56.0
6. ICAAAA Championships, November 18, 2006
David Raucci 25:32.9
Girma Segni 25:37.5
Justin Harris 26:10.9
Conor Shelley 26:12.5
Tom Williams 26:27.8
Total time, top 5: 2:10:01.6
Average time: 26:00.3
7. MAAC Championships, October 26, 2007
Girma Segni 25:21.0
David Raucci 25:29.8
Mike Rolek 26:04.0
Conor Shelley 26:16.5
John Keenan 26:56.7
Total time, top 5: 2:10:08.0
Average time: 26:01.6
8. Metropolitan Championships, October 6, 2006
Girma Segni 25:15.5
David Raucci 25:45.2
Conor Shelley 25:54.4
Justin Harris 26:33.1
Mike Cator 26:43.2
Total time, top 5: 2:10:12.9
Average time: 26:02.6
9. ICAAAA Championships, November 17, 2007
Girma Segni 25:36
David Raucci 25:38
Mike Rolek 26:10
Conor Shelley 26:19
Adam Vess 26:49
Total time, top 5: 2:10:32.0
Average time: 26:06.4
10. ICAAAA Championships, November 18, 2000
Mike Nehr 25:58.7
Jason Grady 26:04.7
Jamal Padgett 26:09.7
Greg Salamone 26:11.6
Pat Driscoll 26:28.6
Total time, top 5: 2:10:53.5
Average time: 26:10.7
VCP All-Time Lists: Best Individual Performances
After a hiatus of a few years, we welcome back the Van Cortlandt Park All-Time Lists for Marist Men’s XC.
An explanation: We suspended this list after the Park began its current – and never-ending – construction project that has altered the course. In 2008, the course was altered slightly but was considered nearly identical to the “original” Vanny course.
In 2009, the course was altered considerably and was much different and slightly longer than the original Vanny course. However, in 2010 and 2011, the course – while certainly not the same as the original – is pretty close in spirit and in layout. Most consider it slightly more difficult since the Back Hills and Cemetery Hill are slightly more condensed – there is less flats between these two sections.
And so we revive the list today, a day after our men’s team ran the fastest combined top-5 time in school history – thanks in large part to the extremely fast time by our lead runners.
Van Cortlandt Park sub-26:30 list, all-time (through October 2011)
Girma Segni 25:01.4 09/2008
Will Griffin 25:03.4 10/2011
Matt Flint 25:04.0 10/2011
Mike Melfi 25:11 10/1998
Matt Flint 25:11.5 11/2010
Mike Melfi 25:12.3 11/1998
David Raucci 25:13 11/2008
Girma Segni 25:13.5 09/2007
Girma Segni 25:15.5 10/2006
Girma Segni 25:17.0 10/2006
David Raucci 25:19.1 09/2008
Girma Segni 25:21.0 10/2007
Jerry Scholder 25:25 11/1976
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:26.4 11/2010
Girma Segni 25:29.3 10/2005
David Raucci 25:29.8 10/2007
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:32.0 10/2011
Will Griffin 25:32.6 11/2010
David Raucci 25:32.9 11/2006
Conor Shelley 25:33.8 09/2008
Jerry Scholder 25:35.3 10/1978
Girma Segni 25:36 11/2007
Girma Segni 25:37.5 11/2006
David Raucci 25:38 11/2007
Kirk Dornton 25:38.1 11/2002
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:38.7 09/2011
David Raucci 25:38.7 10/2006
Girma Segni 25:41.8 11/2005
Girma Segni 25:42.7 09/2005
Girma Segni 25:43 11/2008
Kirk Dornton 25:45.0 10/2002
David Raucci 25:45.2 10/2006
Conor Shelley 25:46.1 10/2006
Ken Walshak 25:47.8 11/2010
Matt Flint 25:48.5 11/2009
Tim Keegan 25:49 11/2008
David Raucci 25:49.7 09/2005
Kirk Dornton 25:50.0 11/2002
David Raucci 25:51.0 09/2007
Kirk Dornton 25:51.5 10/2003
Don Reardon 25:51 10/1987
Mike Nehr 25:52.2 11/2001
Pete Pazik 25:54 09/1984
Will Griffin 25:54 11/2008
David Raucci 25:54.4 10/2005
Conor Shelley 25:54.4 10/2006
Ben Hefferon 25:58.6 11/1998
Mike Nehr 25:58.7 11/2000
David Raucci 25:59.5 10/2005
Jerry Scholder 26:02 10/1977
Jason Grady 26:02.8 09/2000
Matt Cole 26:02.9 10/1978
Kirk Dornton 26:02.9 10/2001
Jamal Padgett 26:03.5 11/2001
Greg Salamone 26:03.9 10/1999
Mike Rolek 26:04.0 09/2007
Conor Shelley 26:04 11/2008
Jason Grady 26:04.7 11/2000
Ron Gadziala 26:05.2 10/1978
Mike Nehr 26:06.6 09/2000
David Swift 26:07 09/1994
Mike Nehr 26:07.5 09/2001
Will Griffin 26:07.7 11/2009
Jamal Padgett 26:09.7 11/2000
Mike Rolek 26:10 11/2007
Don Reardon 26:10 10/1986
Kirk Dornton 26:10.0 09/2001
Justin Harris 26:10.9 11/2006
Justin Harris 26:11.4 10/2004
Greg Salamone 26:11.6 11/2000
Greg Salamone 26:11.9 11/1998
Don Reardon 26:12 09/1984
Kirk Dornton 26:12 11/2003
Geoff Decker 26:12.5 10/2003
Conor Shelley 26:12.5 11/2006
Curtis Jensen 26:12.6 11/2009
Bob Coufal 26:14 11/1977
Geoff Decker 26:14 11/2003
Adam Vess 26:14.2 10/2009
Jerry Scholder 26:14.8 10/1978
Fred Kolthay 26:15 11/1976
Glen Middleton 26:15 10/1984
Jason Grady 26:15.7 11/2002
Greg Salamone 26:16.0 10/1999
Matthew Flint 26:16 11/2008
Conor Shelley 26:16.5 10/2007
Jason Grady 26:16.8 10/2002
Girma Segni 26:17 10/2007
Steve Hicks 26:18 10/2004
Ben Hefferon 26:18 10/1997
John Keenan 26:18.4 10/2006
Pat Driscoll 26:18.6 11/2001
Conor Shelley 26:19 11/2007
Tom Lipari 26:19.1 10/2011
Jerry Scholder 26:20 09/1977
Kirk Dornton 26:20.5 10/2003
Geoff Decker 26:21.3 09/2004
Justin Harris 26:23 11/2004
Marty Feeney 26:23 10/1992
Greg Salamone 26:24.1 10/1999
David Raucci 26:24.3 11/2005
Jamal Padgett 26:24.6 11/2002
Greg Salamone 26:25 10/1998
Matthew Flint 26:25.2 09/2008
Ken Walshak 26:25.3 09/2010
Ken Walshak 26:25.4 10/2011
Ken Walshak 26:25.7 09/2011
Jamal Padgett 26:25.8 10/2001
Tim Keegan 26:26.2 11/2009
Geoff Decker 26:27.0 09/2003
Brian Townsend 26:27.5 10/2011
Tom Williams 26:27.8 11/2006
Geoff Decker 26:27.9 10/2003
Tim Keegan 26:28.5 09/2008
Pat Driscoll 26:28.8 11/2000
Jerry Scholder 26:29 10/1976
Justin Harris 26:29.1 09/2004
An explanation: We suspended this list after the Park began its current – and never-ending – construction project that has altered the course. In 2008, the course was altered slightly but was considered nearly identical to the “original” Vanny course.
In 2009, the course was altered considerably and was much different and slightly longer than the original Vanny course. However, in 2010 and 2011, the course – while certainly not the same as the original – is pretty close in spirit and in layout. Most consider it slightly more difficult since the Back Hills and Cemetery Hill are slightly more condensed – there is less flats between these two sections.
And so we revive the list today, a day after our men’s team ran the fastest combined top-5 time in school history – thanks in large part to the extremely fast time by our lead runners.
Van Cortlandt Park sub-26:30 list, all-time (through October 2011)
Girma Segni 25:01.4 09/2008
Will Griffin 25:03.4 10/2011
Matt Flint 25:04.0 10/2011
Mike Melfi 25:11 10/1998
Matt Flint 25:11.5 11/2010
Mike Melfi 25:12.3 11/1998
David Raucci 25:13 11/2008
Girma Segni 25:13.5 09/2007
Girma Segni 25:15.5 10/2006
Girma Segni 25:17.0 10/2006
David Raucci 25:19.1 09/2008
Girma Segni 25:21.0 10/2007
Jerry Scholder 25:25 11/1976
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:26.4 11/2010
Girma Segni 25:29.3 10/2005
David Raucci 25:29.8 10/2007
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:32.0 10/2011
Will Griffin 25:32.6 11/2010
David Raucci 25:32.9 11/2006
Conor Shelley 25:33.8 09/2008
Jerry Scholder 25:35.3 10/1978
Girma Segni 25:36 11/2007
Girma Segni 25:37.5 11/2006
David Raucci 25:38 11/2007
Kirk Dornton 25:38.1 11/2002
Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:38.7 09/2011
David Raucci 25:38.7 10/2006
Girma Segni 25:41.8 11/2005
Girma Segni 25:42.7 09/2005
Girma Segni 25:43 11/2008
Kirk Dornton 25:45.0 10/2002
David Raucci 25:45.2 10/2006
Conor Shelley 25:46.1 10/2006
Ken Walshak 25:47.8 11/2010
Matt Flint 25:48.5 11/2009
Tim Keegan 25:49 11/2008
David Raucci 25:49.7 09/2005
Kirk Dornton 25:50.0 11/2002
David Raucci 25:51.0 09/2007
Kirk Dornton 25:51.5 10/2003
Don Reardon 25:51 10/1987
Mike Nehr 25:52.2 11/2001
Pete Pazik 25:54 09/1984
Will Griffin 25:54 11/2008
David Raucci 25:54.4 10/2005
Conor Shelley 25:54.4 10/2006
Ben Hefferon 25:58.6 11/1998
Mike Nehr 25:58.7 11/2000
David Raucci 25:59.5 10/2005
Jerry Scholder 26:02 10/1977
Jason Grady 26:02.8 09/2000
Matt Cole 26:02.9 10/1978
Kirk Dornton 26:02.9 10/2001
Jamal Padgett 26:03.5 11/2001
Greg Salamone 26:03.9 10/1999
Mike Rolek 26:04.0 09/2007
Conor Shelley 26:04 11/2008
Jason Grady 26:04.7 11/2000
Ron Gadziala 26:05.2 10/1978
Mike Nehr 26:06.6 09/2000
David Swift 26:07 09/1994
Mike Nehr 26:07.5 09/2001
Will Griffin 26:07.7 11/2009
Jamal Padgett 26:09.7 11/2000
Mike Rolek 26:10 11/2007
Don Reardon 26:10 10/1986
Kirk Dornton 26:10.0 09/2001
Justin Harris 26:10.9 11/2006
Justin Harris 26:11.4 10/2004
Greg Salamone 26:11.6 11/2000
Greg Salamone 26:11.9 11/1998
Don Reardon 26:12 09/1984
Kirk Dornton 26:12 11/2003
Geoff Decker 26:12.5 10/2003
Conor Shelley 26:12.5 11/2006
Curtis Jensen 26:12.6 11/2009
Bob Coufal 26:14 11/1977
Geoff Decker 26:14 11/2003
Adam Vess 26:14.2 10/2009
Jerry Scholder 26:14.8 10/1978
Fred Kolthay 26:15 11/1976
Glen Middleton 26:15 10/1984
Jason Grady 26:15.7 11/2002
Greg Salamone 26:16.0 10/1999
Matthew Flint 26:16 11/2008
Conor Shelley 26:16.5 10/2007
Jason Grady 26:16.8 10/2002
Girma Segni 26:17 10/2007
Steve Hicks 26:18 10/2004
Ben Hefferon 26:18 10/1997
John Keenan 26:18.4 10/2006
Pat Driscoll 26:18.6 11/2001
Conor Shelley 26:19 11/2007
Tom Lipari 26:19.1 10/2011
Jerry Scholder 26:20 09/1977
Kirk Dornton 26:20.5 10/2003
Geoff Decker 26:21.3 09/2004
Justin Harris 26:23 11/2004
Marty Feeney 26:23 10/1992
Greg Salamone 26:24.1 10/1999
David Raucci 26:24.3 11/2005
Jamal Padgett 26:24.6 11/2002
Greg Salamone 26:25 10/1998
Matthew Flint 26:25.2 09/2008
Ken Walshak 26:25.3 09/2010
Ken Walshak 26:25.4 10/2011
Ken Walshak 26:25.7 09/2011
Jamal Padgett 26:25.8 10/2001
Tim Keegan 26:26.2 11/2009
Geoff Decker 26:27.0 09/2003
Brian Townsend 26:27.5 10/2011
Tom Williams 26:27.8 11/2006
Geoff Decker 26:27.9 10/2003
Tim Keegan 26:28.5 09/2008
Pat Driscoll 26:28.8 11/2000
Jerry Scholder 26:29 10/1976
Justin Harris 26:29.1 09/2004
World Series Game 6
Under normal circumstances, there is no way I would have witnessed the dramatics of the 2011 World Series Game 6 on Thursday night. Fortunately, our men’s XC team had its annual Pre-MAAC Pump Up meeting at Lower Fulton and I was invited.
As a result, I did not get home until about 10:30 p.m. Wired from the motivational meeting and the bracing cold of the chilly evening, I stayed awake to watch perhaps the most riveting and dramatic World Series game of them all. Despite not having a rooting interest in this World Series, it was a treat to witness the twists and turns of a game that will be talked about forever.
So even though the final, dramatic home run was not hit till after midnight, I was awake to watch it. Thanks to our team.
As a result, I did not get home until about 10:30 p.m. Wired from the motivational meeting and the bracing cold of the chilly evening, I stayed awake to watch perhaps the most riveting and dramatic World Series game of them all. Despite not having a rooting interest in this World Series, it was a treat to witness the twists and turns of a game that will be talked about forever.
So even though the final, dramatic home run was not hit till after midnight, I was awake to watch it. Thanks to our team.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
MAAC XC history
Here are the year-to-year finishes of our program since we joined the MAAC in 1997.
MAAC Championships history, men
1997: 6th place, 149 points (VCP)
1998: 2nd place, 70 points (VCP
1999: 3rd place, 102 points (VCP)
2000: 4th place, 91 points (Disney)
2001: 3rd place, 69 points (VCP)
2002: 4th place, 91 points (VCP)
2003: 2nd place, 60 points (VCP)
2004: 3rd place, 77 points (Disney)
2005: 2nd place, 73 points (VCP)
2006: 2nd place, 52 points* (VCP)
2007: 2nd place, 61 points (VCP)
2008: 2nd place, 55 points (Disney)
2009: 2nd place, 57 points (VCP)
2010: 2nd place, 53 points (Hammonasset)
2011: 2nd place, 66 points (VCP)
MAAC Championships history, women
1997: 4th place, 103 points (VCP)
1998: 1st place, 39 points* (VCP)
1999: 1st place (tie), 41 points (VCP)
2000: 1st place, 42 points (Disney)
2001: 3rd place, 93 points (VCP)
2002: 5th place, 114 points (VCP)
2003: 5th place (tie) 102 points (VCP)
2004: 1st place, 40 points (Disney)
2005: 3rd place, 83 points (VCP)
2006: 2nd place, 87 points (VCP)
2007: 4th place, 115 points (VCP)
2008: 3rd place, 78 points (Disney)
2009: 2nd place, 56 points (VCP)
2010: 4th place, 106 points (Hammonasset)
2011: 2nd place, 60 points (VCP)
*lowest championship point total in school history
bold = MAAC Champions
MAAC Championships history, men
1997: 6th place, 149 points (VCP)
1998: 2nd place, 70 points (VCP
1999: 3rd place, 102 points (VCP)
2000: 4th place, 91 points (Disney)
2001: 3rd place, 69 points (VCP)
2002: 4th place, 91 points (VCP)
2003: 2nd place, 60 points (VCP)
2004: 3rd place, 77 points (Disney)
2005: 2nd place, 73 points (VCP)
2006: 2nd place, 52 points* (VCP)
2007: 2nd place, 61 points (VCP)
2008: 2nd place, 55 points (Disney)
2009: 2nd place, 57 points (VCP)
2010: 2nd place, 53 points (Hammonasset)
2011: 2nd place, 66 points (VCP)
MAAC Championships history, women
1997: 4th place, 103 points (VCP)
1998: 1st place, 39 points* (VCP)
1999: 1st place (tie), 41 points (VCP)
2000: 1st place, 42 points (Disney)
2001: 3rd place, 93 points (VCP)
2002: 5th place, 114 points (VCP)
2003: 5th place (tie) 102 points (VCP)
2004: 1st place, 40 points (Disney)
2005: 3rd place, 83 points (VCP)
2006: 2nd place, 87 points (VCP)
2007: 4th place, 115 points (VCP)
2008: 3rd place, 78 points (Disney)
2009: 2nd place, 56 points (VCP)
2010: 4th place, 106 points (Hammonasset)
2011: 2nd place, 60 points (VCP)
*lowest championship point total in school history
bold = MAAC Champions
Friday, October 28, 2011
MAAC XC 2011: Women's results
MAAC Championships
Friday, October 28, 2011
Van Cortlandt Park
Women’s team scores:
1-Iona 18, 2-Marist 60, 3-Loyola 79, 4-Rider 102, 5-Canisius 143, 6-Fairfield 146, 7-Niagara 229, 8-Siena 231, 9-Manhattan 247, 10-St. Peter’s 302
Individual results, 6,000-meter course
4-Addie DiFrancesco 22:01.9 (5:55 pace) *All-MAAC
6-Michelle Gaye 22:10.0 (5:57 pace) *All-MAAC
12-Erin Thompson 22:33.3 (6:03 pace) *All-MAAC
14-Katie Messina 22:44.2 (6:06 pace) *All-MAAC
25-Briana Crowe 23:11.7 (6:13 pace)
27-Erin O’Reilly 23:22.1 (6:16 pace)
34-Brianna Freestone 23:44.1 (6:22 pace)
36-Tara Nuccitelli 23:56.7 (6:26 pace)
37-Rebecca Denise 23:57.9 (6:26 pace)
41-Kathryn Sheehan 24:03.6 (6:27 pace)
43-Jackie Gamboli 24:08.1 (6:29 pace)
52-Colleen Smith 24:32.5 (6:35 pace)
57-Elizabeth O’Brien 24:38.8 (6:37 pace)
58-Dayna McLaughlin 24:39.4 (6:37 pace)
59-Kara Lightowler 24:40.5 (6:37 pace)
66-Megan Brady 24:57.5 (6:42 pace)
72-Alex Davis 25:11.9 (6:46 pace)
73-Miy Mahran 25:12.6 (6:46 pace)
76-Allyson O’Brien 25:17.9 (6:47 pace)
83-Laura Lindsley 25:34.3 (6:52 pace)
91-Rachel Lichtenwalner 25:47.5 (6:55 pace)
103-Kim Bartlett 27:25.1 (7:22 pace)
116 finishers total
Friday, October 28, 2011
Van Cortlandt Park
Women’s team scores:
1-Iona 18, 2-Marist 60, 3-Loyola 79, 4-Rider 102, 5-Canisius 143, 6-Fairfield 146, 7-Niagara 229, 8-Siena 231, 9-Manhattan 247, 10-St. Peter’s 302
Individual results, 6,000-meter course
4-Addie DiFrancesco 22:01.9 (5:55 pace) *All-MAAC
6-Michelle Gaye 22:10.0 (5:57 pace) *All-MAAC
12-Erin Thompson 22:33.3 (6:03 pace) *All-MAAC
14-Katie Messina 22:44.2 (6:06 pace) *All-MAAC
25-Briana Crowe 23:11.7 (6:13 pace)
27-Erin O’Reilly 23:22.1 (6:16 pace)
34-Brianna Freestone 23:44.1 (6:22 pace)
36-Tara Nuccitelli 23:56.7 (6:26 pace)
37-Rebecca Denise 23:57.9 (6:26 pace)
41-Kathryn Sheehan 24:03.6 (6:27 pace)
43-Jackie Gamboli 24:08.1 (6:29 pace)
52-Colleen Smith 24:32.5 (6:35 pace)
57-Elizabeth O’Brien 24:38.8 (6:37 pace)
58-Dayna McLaughlin 24:39.4 (6:37 pace)
59-Kara Lightowler 24:40.5 (6:37 pace)
66-Megan Brady 24:57.5 (6:42 pace)
72-Alex Davis 25:11.9 (6:46 pace)
73-Miy Mahran 25:12.6 (6:46 pace)
76-Allyson O’Brien 25:17.9 (6:47 pace)
83-Laura Lindsley 25:34.3 (6:52 pace)
91-Rachel Lichtenwalner 25:47.5 (6:55 pace)
103-Kim Bartlett 27:25.1 (7:22 pace)
116 finishers total
MAAC XC 2011: Men's results
MAAC Championships
Friday, October 28, 2011
Van Cortlandt Park
Men’s team scores:
1-Iona 15, 2-Marist 66, 3-Rider 75, 4-Fairfield 95, 5-Canisius 161, 6-Manhattan 181, 7-Siena 215, 8-Loyola 219, 9-Niagara 249, 10-St. Peter’s 307
Individual results, 8,000-meter course
6-Will Griffin 25:03.4 (5:01 pace) *All-MAAC
7-Matt Flint 25:04.0 (5:01 pace) *All-MAAC
8-Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:32.0 (5:07 pace) *All-MAAC
23-Tommy Lipari 26:19.1 (5:16 pace)
24-Ken Walshak 26:25.4 (5:17 pace)
25-Brian Townsend 26:27.5 (5:18 pace)
30-Mark Valentino 26:41.2 (5:20 pace)
32-Justin Tampellini 26:46.1 (5:21 pace)
34-Mike Nicoletti 26:48.1 (5:22 pace)
39-Nick Hughes 26:56.4 (5:23 pace)
44-Mohamed Eid 27:00.9 (5:24 pace)
53-Nick Salek 27:10.6 (5:26 pace)
56-Rob Gorski 27:13.1 (5:27 pace)
58-Ian Dorset 27:14.9 (5:27 pace)
62-Joel Moss 27:19.1 (5:28 pace)
63-Billy Hild 27:19.6 (5:28 pace)
65-Ryan Fitzsimons 27:25.6 (5:29 pace)
66-Tommy Lappas 27:26.1 (5:29 pace)
79-Ryan Scrudato 27:42.9 (5:33 pace)
83-Matt Panebianco 27:45.6 (5:33 pace)
88-Kyle Havard 27:58.9 (5:36 pace)
91-Will Schanz 28:09.1 (5:38 pace)
93-Ryan Brown 28:12.6 (5:39 pace)
96-Ben Windisch 28:20.7 (5:40 pace)
97-Brian Gordon 28:26.1 (5:41 pace)
99-Andrew James 28:33.4 (5:43 pace)
106-Brendan Green 28:57.0 (5:48 pace)
108-Mike Keegan 29:04.1 (5:49 pace)
109-Bryan Buttigieg 29:05.3 (5:49 pace)
111-Luke Shane 29:18.5 (5:52 pace)
112-Adam Osowski 29:24.3 (5:53 pace)
116-Doug Ainscow 29:42.8 (5:57 pace)
124-Dominick Corradi 31:19.6 (6:16 pace)
130 finishers
Friday, October 28, 2011
Van Cortlandt Park
Men’s team scores:
1-Iona 15, 2-Marist 66, 3-Rider 75, 4-Fairfield 95, 5-Canisius 161, 6-Manhattan 181, 7-Siena 215, 8-Loyola 219, 9-Niagara 249, 10-St. Peter’s 307
Individual results, 8,000-meter course
6-Will Griffin 25:03.4 (5:01 pace) *All-MAAC
7-Matt Flint 25:04.0 (5:01 pace) *All-MAAC
8-Arquimedes DelaCruz 25:32.0 (5:07 pace) *All-MAAC
23-Tommy Lipari 26:19.1 (5:16 pace)
24-Ken Walshak 26:25.4 (5:17 pace)
25-Brian Townsend 26:27.5 (5:18 pace)
30-Mark Valentino 26:41.2 (5:20 pace)
32-Justin Tampellini 26:46.1 (5:21 pace)
34-Mike Nicoletti 26:48.1 (5:22 pace)
39-Nick Hughes 26:56.4 (5:23 pace)
44-Mohamed Eid 27:00.9 (5:24 pace)
53-Nick Salek 27:10.6 (5:26 pace)
56-Rob Gorski 27:13.1 (5:27 pace)
58-Ian Dorset 27:14.9 (5:27 pace)
62-Joel Moss 27:19.1 (5:28 pace)
63-Billy Hild 27:19.6 (5:28 pace)
65-Ryan Fitzsimons 27:25.6 (5:29 pace)
66-Tommy Lappas 27:26.1 (5:29 pace)
79-Ryan Scrudato 27:42.9 (5:33 pace)
83-Matt Panebianco 27:45.6 (5:33 pace)
88-Kyle Havard 27:58.9 (5:36 pace)
91-Will Schanz 28:09.1 (5:38 pace)
93-Ryan Brown 28:12.6 (5:39 pace)
96-Ben Windisch 28:20.7 (5:40 pace)
97-Brian Gordon 28:26.1 (5:41 pace)
99-Andrew James 28:33.4 (5:43 pace)
106-Brendan Green 28:57.0 (5:48 pace)
108-Mike Keegan 29:04.1 (5:49 pace)
109-Bryan Buttigieg 29:05.3 (5:49 pace)
111-Luke Shane 29:18.5 (5:52 pace)
112-Adam Osowski 29:24.3 (5:53 pace)
116-Doug Ainscow 29:42.8 (5:57 pace)
124-Dominick Corradi 31:19.6 (6:16 pace)
130 finishers
Proud of my fifth man
While we were busy at the MAAC Championships at Van Cortlandt Park on Friday, there was another important cross country meet going on up in Staatsburg at the Mills Mansion (site of our season-opening hill workout): The Mid-Hudson Athletic League (MHAL) Championships.
This is an excellent local league with a long tradition of competitive league championships. I always liked attending it, but it usually coincides with MAAC Meet Day so I have not been there in a while. Today, I had a true rooting interest, as my seventh-grade son Joey runs for the Modified Team at Haviland Middle School.
While the modified races are not officially scored, I’m happy to report that the HMS boys were the top team in the meet. Joey has been fourth or fifth man on HMS all season; today, he was fifth man again in his season-ending meet.
Their home course is a little longer than 1.5 miles and has some of the Mills Hills in it. If you are interested, click here for complete results.
The photo above was taken at a meet earlier in the season.
To Joey and the HMS Hawks: NICELY DONE!
MAAC Meet: Second-place success!
Just getting back from Van Cortlandt Park, where our program had one of its finest days.
--On the women's side, we placed a solid second behind Iona (18 points) with 60 points. We had four (4!) All-MAAC runners in Addie DiFrancesco (4th), Michelle Gaye (6th), Erin Thompson (12th) and Katie Messina (14th). This was a truly thrilling meet to watch.
--On the men's side, we place second behind Iona (15) with 66 points. This was Iona's 21st consecutive team title. On nine (9) occasions, our program was runner-up to Iona -- including each of the past seven (7) years. It is a point of pride for us. We had three All-MAAC runners in Will Griffin (6th), Matt Flint (7th) and Arquimedes DelaCruz (8th). Iona swept the top-5 spots.
There is much more to say and type about the meet, but I will save that for later when I have more time.
Suffice it to say that this was one of the program's finest hours. As always, it was extremely special to share it with our families and our extended family of alumni and friends who always support us so well.
--On the women's side, we placed a solid second behind Iona (18 points) with 60 points. We had four (4!) All-MAAC runners in Addie DiFrancesco (4th), Michelle Gaye (6th), Erin Thompson (12th) and Katie Messina (14th). This was a truly thrilling meet to watch.
--On the men's side, we place second behind Iona (15) with 66 points. This was Iona's 21st consecutive team title. On nine (9) occasions, our program was runner-up to Iona -- including each of the past seven (7) years. It is a point of pride for us. We had three All-MAAC runners in Will Griffin (6th), Matt Flint (7th) and Arquimedes DelaCruz (8th). Iona swept the top-5 spots.
There is much more to say and type about the meet, but I will save that for later when I have more time.
Suffice it to say that this was one of the program's finest hours. As always, it was extremely special to share it with our families and our extended family of alumni and friends who always support us so well.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Post from a brother
I wanted to share this link to the Dominicana blog and today's post by Brother Jacob Bertrand Janczyk (Marist Running, Class of 2010).
Brother Janczyk is discussing the sacrament of confession in his post titled "A Cry For Help." This is a topic we discussed in detail during one endless van ride back from a meet a couple of years ago. Brother is obviously passionate about the subject.
And we remain very proud of his spiritual journey.
If you are interested, here is the link to the post.
Brother emailed me and asked me to wish the current Running Red Foxes the best of luck and success in the MAAC meet on Friday.
Hope to see many of you there at Van Cortlandt Park.
Brother Janczyk is discussing the sacrament of confession in his post titled "A Cry For Help." This is a topic we discussed in detail during one endless van ride back from a meet a couple of years ago. Brother is obviously passionate about the subject.
And we remain very proud of his spiritual journey.
If you are interested, here is the link to the post.
Brother emailed me and asked me to wish the current Running Red Foxes the best of luck and success in the MAAC meet on Friday.
Hope to see many of you there at Van Cortlandt Park.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Siren call
In the pre-dawn darkness of my solo morning jog the other day, I ran past the local volunteer firehouse. As if on cue, the siren blared loudly -- nearly frightening me clear out of my Asics.
It blared five times in a row, boosting my adrenaline and certainly shaking the remaining cobwebs out of my head.
A few minutes later as I shuffled along through the deserted neighborhood, a new song came on my iPod shuffle. "Bound for Glory" by the Tedeschi Trucks Band (I know, you've probably never heard of them ...).
In my never-ending search for deeper meaning in the ordinary happenings of life, I couldn't help but think of it: It's MAAC week. Championship time.
The siren call for us as a program. Time for us, as individuals and a group, to step it up. Time to let that inner siren sound and let it all go out on the race course.
And as for the song? The title says it all. And that's what made my fuzzy, early-morning mind think.
MAAC week. Siren call. "Bound for Glory." Sounds good to me.
It blared five times in a row, boosting my adrenaline and certainly shaking the remaining cobwebs out of my head.
A few minutes later as I shuffled along through the deserted neighborhood, a new song came on my iPod shuffle. "Bound for Glory" by the Tedeschi Trucks Band (I know, you've probably never heard of them ...).
In my never-ending search for deeper meaning in the ordinary happenings of life, I couldn't help but think of it: It's MAAC week. Championship time.
The siren call for us as a program. Time for us, as individuals and a group, to step it up. Time to let that inner siren sound and let it all go out on the race course.
And as for the song? The title says it all. And that's what made my fuzzy, early-morning mind think.
MAAC week. Siren call. "Bound for Glory." Sounds good to me.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Nice singlet, dude!
Thanks to Dan Jordy for his comment and link on the Mayor's Cup post. Dan ran in the Mayor's Cup (representing Willow Street AC, he ran a very strong time of 27:37) and sent along links to photos.
I was searching through the more than 100 photos for Conor Shelley in his NYAC singlet (side note: NYAC won the team title, nicely done!) but could not find one.
However, thanks to Dan, I did locate this photo of Vess running in the familiar red-and-white of Marist (in this case, the Marist Alumni Racing Team). Pretty cool.
It should be noted for the record that the Alumni Racing Team didn't actually field a team at Mayor's Cup and that Vess was not "attached" to any team. Still, it's pretty neat to see him wearing the jersey.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Random Monday notes ...
-- It was mentioned in practice but it is worth repeating here: The Coaches Complex in the McCann Recreation Center -- our home on the second floor -- is now a major construction zone.
While our offices are not being touched during this major renovation, the rest of the area is being totally gutted and redone as part of the revamping of the entire McCann Arena. As a result, our offices are basically off limits for the next few weeks due to the hustle and bustle of the work being done. We will have access to the offices to retrieve stuff, but the offices really will not be available for any functional use -- like meetings with recruits/athletes, or other meaningful work.
If you are looking for me during the day or Coach Chuck later in the afternoon, it is best to call or text us as to our whereabouts. If you are looking for me during the day, the best bets are that I will be: a. at home; b. in Donnelly computer lab or class; c. in the library; d. in the McCann Enhancement Center; e. going to Stewart's for some more coffee.
-- Several folks have asked about the MAAC meet race times on Friday: Noon for women; 12:45 p.m. for men. Hope to see many family, friends and alums at Vanny.
-- Our women had a great workout at the Cator Loop at FDR today. It was particularly gratifying to see freshman Christine Coughlin and sophomore Kiersten Anderson make comeback steps from their injury issues. Now it's time for us to freshen/sharpen and get ready for Friday's race.
-- Our men will be back at Cator for their workout on Tuesday. A few guys worked out today; the rest of the squad will do a fartlek on Tuesday.
While our offices are not being touched during this major renovation, the rest of the area is being totally gutted and redone as part of the revamping of the entire McCann Arena. As a result, our offices are basically off limits for the next few weeks due to the hustle and bustle of the work being done. We will have access to the offices to retrieve stuff, but the offices really will not be available for any functional use -- like meetings with recruits/athletes, or other meaningful work.
If you are looking for me during the day or Coach Chuck later in the afternoon, it is best to call or text us as to our whereabouts. If you are looking for me during the day, the best bets are that I will be: a. at home; b. in Donnelly computer lab or class; c. in the library; d. in the McCann Enhancement Center; e. going to Stewart's for some more coffee.
-- Several folks have asked about the MAAC meet race times on Friday: Noon for women; 12:45 p.m. for men. Hope to see many family, friends and alums at Vanny.
-- Our women had a great workout at the Cator Loop at FDR today. It was particularly gratifying to see freshman Christine Coughlin and sophomore Kiersten Anderson make comeback steps from their injury issues. Now it's time for us to freshen/sharpen and get ready for Friday's race.
-- Our men will be back at Cator for their workout on Tuesday. A few guys worked out today; the rest of the squad will do a fartlek on Tuesday.
Busy weekend of racing
Kudos to Marist Running alum Bob Sweeney (he is from back in my era in the late 1980s). Bob now lives in Colorado, but he came back East for a busy weekend of racing (that’s an understatement).
On Saturday, Bob joined his old friends at Westchester Track Club for the National Masters 5km Cross Country Championships up near Rochester. I heard from a local running friend, Mike Slinskey (who did well up there), that the course was a mud-fest. I have not talked to Bob, but I would find it hard to believe that he literally “spiked up” since it is a safe bet he does not own spikes. Bob’s an ultra guy, and spikes are generally not a relevant piece of equipment in 100-kilometer races.
Despite this, Bob ran a very respectable ninth-place finish in 18:01, finishing in the same time as his WTC teammate (and another local running acquaintance) Chris Collins.
Not one to rest on his muddy laurels, Bob entered in and completed the Niagara Falls International Marathon on Sunday. He finished 12th overall in 2:47:11. Here are Bob’s complete stats, according to the official race results: Third place out of 99 in his age group (40-44); 12th out of 606 men in the race; an average of 3:58 per kilometer (hey, it’s an international race); first 13.1 miles: 1:20:32; second 13.1 miles: 1:26:41.
Now, we all know it’s quite common to do a “long run” on the Sunday after a Saturday XC race. But to race a marathon? That’s taking the concept to the extreme.
In all, I would have to say it’s a very impressive double.
On Saturday, Bob joined his old friends at Westchester Track Club for the National Masters 5km Cross Country Championships up near Rochester. I heard from a local running friend, Mike Slinskey (who did well up there), that the course was a mud-fest. I have not talked to Bob, but I would find it hard to believe that he literally “spiked up” since it is a safe bet he does not own spikes. Bob’s an ultra guy, and spikes are generally not a relevant piece of equipment in 100-kilometer races.
Despite this, Bob ran a very respectable ninth-place finish in 18:01, finishing in the same time as his WTC teammate (and another local running acquaintance) Chris Collins.
Not one to rest on his muddy laurels, Bob entered in and completed the Niagara Falls International Marathon on Sunday. He finished 12th overall in 2:47:11. Here are Bob’s complete stats, according to the official race results: Third place out of 99 in his age group (40-44); 12th out of 606 men in the race; an average of 3:58 per kilometer (hey, it’s an international race); first 13.1 miles: 1:20:32; second 13.1 miles: 1:26:41.
Now, we all know it’s quite common to do a “long run” on the Sunday after a Saturday XC race. But to race a marathon? That’s taking the concept to the extreme.
In all, I would have to say it’s a very impressive double.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Mayor's Cup in Boston
Congrats to Marist Running Alum Conor Shelley, now running for the NYAC (New York Athletic Club). At Sunday's Mayor's Cup 8km cross country race at Franklin Park in Boston, Conor was NYAC's fifth man and ran 25:05.
That's an average of 5:05 per mile for close to 5 miles of cross country running. Conor placed 34th out of 176 in the very competitive race. Nicely done!
Conor's former roommate and teammate, Adam Vess, made his first return to racing in nearly a year at the Mayor's Cup. Vess shook off the rust and ran 26:10 (5:18 pace) and placed 69th overall. He reported that it was a solid start on his comeback trail. Vess has been through a lot in the past year, and it's good to see him back on his feet -- literally.
That's an average of 5:05 per mile for close to 5 miles of cross country running. Conor placed 34th out of 176 in the very competitive race. Nicely done!
Conor's former roommate and teammate, Adam Vess, made his first return to racing in nearly a year at the Mayor's Cup. Vess shook off the rust and ran 26:10 (5:18 pace) and placed 69th overall. He reported that it was a solid start on his comeback trail. Vess has been through a lot in the past year, and it's good to see him back on his feet -- literally.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
No one was spiked
Friday’s workout at the Spackenkill High School track went well. While several athletes did indeed “spike up” fortunately no one was actually “spiked.”
This is not a simple play on words; there was a lot of activity and a lot of runners going at a wide variety of paces on that track – not to mention the hulking metal obstruction in lane 1 that could not be moved (sorry, Schanz). Everyone respected everyone’s space and no one got hurt or run over.
Several team members have expressed dismay over the change of practice protocol for the spring semester, in that the men’s and women’s teams will be practicing at different times most days. It is true that the teams feed off each other’s energy on the track. However, practically speaking, it can get crowded out there and the more room our athletes have to work, the better.
Add in high school and modified athletes rightfully using their own track and it can turn into utter chaos. So splitting our large group up in the future makes sense. On this day, though, we were one big happy speedwork family.
Anyway … the women’s team did a good, controlled tempo workout while the men’s team did a good mix of speed and tempo in a continuous 8km workout. It was cloudy and chilly, but thankfully not windy.
One highlight was the Spackenkill team turning sophomore Billy Hild (a Spartan alum) into a cult hero by wildly cheering him on and clanging on cowbells (side note: I find the use of cowbells to motivate runners in road races to be a highly annoying practice).
In all, a good "spike up" day at the track ...
This is not a simple play on words; there was a lot of activity and a lot of runners going at a wide variety of paces on that track – not to mention the hulking metal obstruction in lane 1 that could not be moved (sorry, Schanz). Everyone respected everyone’s space and no one got hurt or run over.
Several team members have expressed dismay over the change of practice protocol for the spring semester, in that the men’s and women’s teams will be practicing at different times most days. It is true that the teams feed off each other’s energy on the track. However, practically speaking, it can get crowded out there and the more room our athletes have to work, the better.
Add in high school and modified athletes rightfully using their own track and it can turn into utter chaos. So splitting our large group up in the future makes sense. On this day, though, we were one big happy speedwork family.
Anyway … the women’s team did a good, controlled tempo workout while the men’s team did a good mix of speed and tempo in a continuous 8km workout. It was cloudy and chilly, but thankfully not windy.
One highlight was the Spackenkill team turning sophomore Billy Hild (a Spartan alum) into a cult hero by wildly cheering him on and clanging on cowbells (side note: I find the use of cowbells to motivate runners in road races to be a highly annoying practice).
In all, a good "spike up" day at the track ...
A worthy cause and a race
Oftentimes in this blog, we highlight the somewhat goofy and irreverent aspects of our team. At this point, I would like to break from the norm and talk about a noble and noteworthy endeavor from freshman cross country team member Mark Valentino.
When Mark was a student-athlete back home in Smithtown, Long Island, he created a road race and fundraiser in honor of his coach Patrick Harmon, who passed away from brain cancer. The second annual Pat Harmon Race for a Cure is Sunday morning back home in Long Island. Now that Mark is in Poughkeepsie, he is no longer directly involved in the day-to-day organization of the race, but he will be there for the race and for the cause.
For those that are interested in donating to the race, the link is www.crowdrise.com/patharmonraceforcure.
The following is background information, excerpted from the Web site above and from Newsday:
In life, Coach Patrick Harmon never gave in. While battling brain cancer for four years, Coach Harmon did not allow his illness to interfere with his love of teaching and coaching. He kept up with his work schedule, despite suffering from the side effects of his medical treatments. Coach Harmon, who lived in Greenlawn and was a physical education teacher and track and football coach at the Smithtown High Schools, died July 17, 2010. Even when he was undergoing painful cancer treatment, Harmon remained a selfless person. He started coaching in 1999 and teaching in 2006. Harmon was an empathetic coach who valued his player's feelings over winning. He was "the greatest coach you could have.
Kudos to Mark for his work on behalf of his former coach.
When Mark was a student-athlete back home in Smithtown, Long Island, he created a road race and fundraiser in honor of his coach Patrick Harmon, who passed away from brain cancer. The second annual Pat Harmon Race for a Cure is Sunday morning back home in Long Island. Now that Mark is in Poughkeepsie, he is no longer directly involved in the day-to-day organization of the race, but he will be there for the race and for the cause.
For those that are interested in donating to the race, the link is www.crowdrise.com/patharmonraceforcure.
The following is background information, excerpted from the Web site above and from Newsday:
In life, Coach Patrick Harmon never gave in. While battling brain cancer for four years, Coach Harmon did not allow his illness to interfere with his love of teaching and coaching. He kept up with his work schedule, despite suffering from the side effects of his medical treatments. Coach Harmon, who lived in Greenlawn and was a physical education teacher and track and football coach at the Smithtown High Schools, died July 17, 2010. Even when he was undergoing painful cancer treatment, Harmon remained a selfless person. He started coaching in 1999 and teaching in 2006. Harmon was an empathetic coach who valued his player's feelings over winning. He was "the greatest coach you could have.
Kudos to Mark for his work on behalf of his former coach.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Spike up
This was a few weeks ago. I was heading down to Vanny for the Mets meet with a small group of guys in the van. The rest of the team was doing the mile repeats workout at the Wallkill River Rail Trail in New Paltz.
Before I left, I typed up the splits for the workout groups and discussed the specifics of the workout with several team members. One team member, Captain Tommy Lipari, had questions about the intensity and the paces. I told him to keep it steady for most of the workout, but if he (and others) felt good they could empty the tank a bit on the last interval.
“Oh,” he said. “I’m gonna spike up then.”
As usual, I was perplexed by the modern jargon, so I said, “Uh, yeah, sure.” But then I was paranoid and wondered if he was being literal – as in, putting on the racing spikes for the last interval. While I am not averse to this practice on occasion, generally I frown upon it. In Tommy’s case, I definitely frowned upon it given his recent injury history.
But then I realized that “spike up” has both literal and figurative meanings to our guys – and, I suppose, to competitive runners in general.
As you prepare to race, when the time comes to head to the starting line, inevitably you will hear guys say, “OK, time to spike up.” This is literal. Time to get your spikes on and race.
But “spike up” also can refer to the mentality – again, not often espoused by me, but sometimes quite useful – of letting it rip a bit and testing your limits within the parameters of a workout or other challenging run.
On Friday, we will be heading to the track for a challenging and continuous speed workout. It is a workout in which we will be looking to work on that delicate balance of speed and endurance. As in all workouts, the goal is to achieve the stated mission of the workout without totally depleting the athletes. You always want to “leave something in the tank” for upcoming races – especially our championship races.
But, boys being boys, there will be “spike up” talk on Friday. A track workout in cross country is a rare occurrence indeed, and the need for speed is a natural inclination for a competitive athlete. So yes. We will be looking to “spike up” a bit on Friday, if only for a few minutes.
Keep in mind, though, that we will be looking to “spike up” for real and for keeps the following Friday at Vanny.
Before I left, I typed up the splits for the workout groups and discussed the specifics of the workout with several team members. One team member, Captain Tommy Lipari, had questions about the intensity and the paces. I told him to keep it steady for most of the workout, but if he (and others) felt good they could empty the tank a bit on the last interval.
“Oh,” he said. “I’m gonna spike up then.”
As usual, I was perplexed by the modern jargon, so I said, “Uh, yeah, sure.” But then I was paranoid and wondered if he was being literal – as in, putting on the racing spikes for the last interval. While I am not averse to this practice on occasion, generally I frown upon it. In Tommy’s case, I definitely frowned upon it given his recent injury history.
But then I realized that “spike up” has both literal and figurative meanings to our guys – and, I suppose, to competitive runners in general.
As you prepare to race, when the time comes to head to the starting line, inevitably you will hear guys say, “OK, time to spike up.” This is literal. Time to get your spikes on and race.
But “spike up” also can refer to the mentality – again, not often espoused by me, but sometimes quite useful – of letting it rip a bit and testing your limits within the parameters of a workout or other challenging run.
On Friday, we will be heading to the track for a challenging and continuous speed workout. It is a workout in which we will be looking to work on that delicate balance of speed and endurance. As in all workouts, the goal is to achieve the stated mission of the workout without totally depleting the athletes. You always want to “leave something in the tank” for upcoming races – especially our championship races.
But, boys being boys, there will be “spike up” talk on Friday. A track workout in cross country is a rare occurrence indeed, and the need for speed is a natural inclination for a competitive athlete. So yes. We will be looking to “spike up” a bit on Friday, if only for a few minutes.
Keep in mind, though, that we will be looking to “spike up” for real and for keeps the following Friday at Vanny.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Dean of the marathon
A hearty NICELY DONE goes out to Marist's Dean of Admission Kent Rinehart.
Kent ran a personal-best time of 3:36:44 at last Saturday's Baltimore Marathon. For those keeping score at home, Kent's time is an average of 8:16 per mile.
Interestingly, I heard about Kent's personal-best run first from one of our athletes in the van ride back from UAlbany, who saw it on Twitter. Funny how news spreads in 2011.
Anyway, great job to Kent, a longtime hockey player and coach who is relatively new to this running thing. He's obviously a quick study at this long-distance running deal.
Kent ran a personal-best time of 3:36:44 at last Saturday's Baltimore Marathon. For those keeping score at home, Kent's time is an average of 8:16 per mile.
Interestingly, I heard about Kent's personal-best run first from one of our athletes in the van ride back from UAlbany, who saw it on Twitter. Funny how news spreads in 2011.
Anyway, great job to Kent, a longtime hockey player and coach who is relatively new to this running thing. He's obviously a quick study at this long-distance running deal.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Mike Breen to speak at Marist on Wednesday
Dr. Keith Strudler, a good friend of our program, has asked me to spread the word to our team about this exciting speaker on Wednesday. The Sports Reporting Class that I teach on Tuesday evenings is required to attend this talk as part of their course work, and as a result I will be there.
I encourage all team members to come out and listen to Mike Breen. I think you will find him entertaining, funny and informative. Here is Dr. Strudler's press release about the talk ...
On Wednesday, October 19, at 7 p.m., sports broadcaster Mike Breen will appear in Marist’s Nelly Goletti Theatre in the Student Center. He will be speaking about his career in sports media and spend most of the evening holding a question and answer session with Marist students. The event is free and open to all members of the Marist community. All those with an interest in sports media, broadcasting, and various aspects of the dizzying world of covering elite athletics are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
Mike Breen is one America’s most accomplished and recognized sports broadcasters. He is currently the play-by-play voice of the New York Knicks for MSG Network as well as part of the lead basketball sportscasting team for ABC/ESPN, calling everything from regular season contests to the NBA Finals. Breen has also called numerous Olympic Games, including men’s and women’s basketball at the 2008 Beijing Games for NBC. Breen’s visit to Marist marks a return to his early days in sports broadcasting, having called Marist basketball for the Colony Sports Network not long after his graduation from Fordham University.
This event is presented by the newly founded Marist College Center for Sports Communication. Housed in the School of Communication and the Arts, the Center builds on Marist’s popular concentration in sports communication and will serve as the hub of activity in this growing academic field. The Center will host speaking events such as this, conduct research projects, perform service activities, and forge partnerships with various constituencies and organizations in the field. The Center will increase opportunities for all Marist students interested in the study and practice of sports communication.
For more information about this event or the Marist College Center for Sports Communication, please contact Keith Strudler, Associate Professor of Communication and Director of the Marist College Center for Sports Communication, at Keith.Strudler@marist.edu.
I encourage all team members to come out and listen to Mike Breen. I think you will find him entertaining, funny and informative. Here is Dr. Strudler's press release about the talk ...
On Wednesday, October 19, at 7 p.m., sports broadcaster Mike Breen will appear in Marist’s Nelly Goletti Theatre in the Student Center. He will be speaking about his career in sports media and spend most of the evening holding a question and answer session with Marist students. The event is free and open to all members of the Marist community. All those with an interest in sports media, broadcasting, and various aspects of the dizzying world of covering elite athletics are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
Mike Breen is one America’s most accomplished and recognized sports broadcasters. He is currently the play-by-play voice of the New York Knicks for MSG Network as well as part of the lead basketball sportscasting team for ABC/ESPN, calling everything from regular season contests to the NBA Finals. Breen has also called numerous Olympic Games, including men’s and women’s basketball at the 2008 Beijing Games for NBC. Breen’s visit to Marist marks a return to his early days in sports broadcasting, having called Marist basketball for the Colony Sports Network not long after his graduation from Fordham University.
This event is presented by the newly founded Marist College Center for Sports Communication. Housed in the School of Communication and the Arts, the Center builds on Marist’s popular concentration in sports communication and will serve as the hub of activity in this growing academic field. The Center will host speaking events such as this, conduct research projects, perform service activities, and forge partnerships with various constituencies and organizations in the field. The Center will increase opportunities for all Marist students interested in the study and practice of sports communication.
For more information about this event or the Marist College Center for Sports Communication, please contact Keith Strudler, Associate Professor of Communication and Director of the Marist College Center for Sports Communication, at Keith.Strudler@marist.edu.
Cheerleading dad
Thanks to Marist College senior mathematics professor Christina Vertullo for sending along this shot of yours truly at my daughter's cheerleading competition on Sunday. Prof. Vertullo was there at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center to watch her granddaughter at the cheerleading competition.
Yes. That's right. CHEERLEADING COMPETITION. After spending the better part of three days cheering on runners, on Sunday I was at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center ... cheering on cheerleaders!
You'll see me in the middle of the spirit-laden "Hyde Park Eagles" cheering section.
I realize that posting such a picture will open me up to all sorts of wisecracks and what-not from my maturity-challenged team. But that is OK! I am a proud dad of a very happy cheerleader ...
Although, I must admit that the decibel level and somewhat questionable (understatement!) musical selections at this competition were a little nerve-wracking, coming on the heels of the mega-van time of the previous few days.
First and 10, do it again ...
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Course record holder ... for a few minutes, anyway
Thanks to Nick Salek's parents for emailing this awesome picture of the Sophomore Star on Saturday en route to his wire-to-wire victory in the Men's Purple Race at the UAlbany Invitational.
Because this was a brand new course at UAlbany, Salek held the course record ... for about an hour or so, until the Championship Race was held.
But that, as Yankee announcer John Sterling would say, is bookkeeping (Nick, being a Phillies' fan, is probably not happy with this Yankee reference!).
The real story is that Nick had a great race and a great breakthrough effort -- to go with our second-fastest time of the day on the course! As a coach, it was thrilling to watch. Here's hoping Salek can parlay that into a great end-of-season run at our upcoming championship meets.
Nicely done.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
The great practice debate
Important note to men’s xc/distance team members: Practice time for spring 2012 semester will be 11 a.m., on ALL DAYS of the week. Please plan your course schedules accordingly. If there are major issues, let me know.
This decision is FINAL.
There had been a fair amount of discussion/debate about this in small groups. There was even serious consideration for an earlier practice time of 9:30 a.m., but that was squashed.
There are pros and cons to moving our practice time, but the pros far outweigh the cons. In fact, there really are no negatives to this move, in my humble opinion. Consider the spring semester a litmus test for this practice time. If it works out well, the change may be permanent.
Again, this time only impacts men’s xc/distance runners. All others (sprinters, women’s team) will continue with afternoon practice every day – except Wednesday, which will remain 11 a.m. for all.
Any questions or comments, let me know. Alumni and others who are interested in commenting, please leave a comment here or email me or text me. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
This decision is FINAL.
There had been a fair amount of discussion/debate about this in small groups. There was even serious consideration for an earlier practice time of 9:30 a.m., but that was squashed.
There are pros and cons to moving our practice time, but the pros far outweigh the cons. In fact, there really are no negatives to this move, in my humble opinion. Consider the spring semester a litmus test for this practice time. If it works out well, the change may be permanent.
Again, this time only impacts men’s xc/distance runners. All others (sprinters, women’s team) will continue with afternoon practice every day – except Wednesday, which will remain 11 a.m. for all.
Any questions or comments, let me know. Alumni and others who are interested in commenting, please leave a comment here or email me or text me. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
More thoughts on Albany
By my conservative calculations, we spent close to 15 hours of driving – or staying dry – inside our athletic van over the past three days. Between a long round-trip to Penn State and a shorter round-trip to Albany today, it was a lot of miles and a lot of time on the move.
So as I attempt to analyze today’s solid meet at UAlbany, I use this as a preface in case I leave anything out. Feel free to call me out accordingly. If I am somewhat brain-dead, it is from way too much Blink 182 (is it me, or do all their songs sound the same?) hammering into my weary head on the endless drive through … wherever.
Some random highlights and thoughts …
--On the men’s side, we start with sophomore Nick Salek’s individual victory in the Purple Race. His time was second fastest of the day for us and it was a major breakthrough effort.
--As was sophomore Billy Hild’s race, a major bounce-back effort after his disappointing DNF at Paul Short.
--Sophomore Ben Windisch and sophomore Andrew James should be lauded for strong efforts. And let’s not overlook Will Schanz, who is still not over pneumonia but raced gamely.
--In the men’s varsity race, similar kudos to freshman Mark Valentino, who was less than 100 percent due to illness. Freshman Ian Dorset also had a strong effort.
--Big breakthrough performance by senior Ryan Fitzsimons in the varsity race.
--Senior captain Brian Townsend had a solid frontrunning performance.
--In the “nice planning, coach” department … Salek (2nd fastest time of the day), Hild (5th fastest), Windisch (7th fastest) and Nick Hughes (9th fastest) all were in the non-championship Purple Race. This highlights our depth but also the volatility and unpredictability of our sport.
--On the women’s side, things went much more according to form as the top 9 times for the day were all in the varsity (championship) race.
--Our women’s team continued the stellar fall with a fifth-place finish in a fantastic field that included America East powers New Hampshire and UAlbany, along with Middlebury and McGill.
--In a tribute to how outstanding a season she is having, freshman Michelle Gaye’s ninth-place finish continued her season-long streak of top-10 performances. Ninth is the furthest back she has been all season, and on this day, that was a tribute to how strong the field was.
--Our top-3 of Michelle, senior Addie DiFrancesco and freshman Erin Thompson continued their strong showings with top-25 finishes and a 35-second gap.
--Our gap to our fourth finisher, junior Katie Messina, was another 12 seconds. Coach Chuck has stressed the need for us to continue to close gaps, and that is always so vital in this sport.
In general, this was a solid day for us on a new UAlbany course. The weather could have been much worse. It was cool and breezy – at times, VERY breezy – but at least it was dry.
Now, we move on to prepare for the true championship portion of our season: MAAC, NCAA Regionals, ECAC/IC4As.
So as I attempt to analyze today’s solid meet at UAlbany, I use this as a preface in case I leave anything out. Feel free to call me out accordingly. If I am somewhat brain-dead, it is from way too much Blink 182 (is it me, or do all their songs sound the same?) hammering into my weary head on the endless drive through … wherever.
Some random highlights and thoughts …
--On the men’s side, we start with sophomore Nick Salek’s individual victory in the Purple Race. His time was second fastest of the day for us and it was a major breakthrough effort.
--As was sophomore Billy Hild’s race, a major bounce-back effort after his disappointing DNF at Paul Short.
--Sophomore Ben Windisch and sophomore Andrew James should be lauded for strong efforts. And let’s not overlook Will Schanz, who is still not over pneumonia but raced gamely.
--In the men’s varsity race, similar kudos to freshman Mark Valentino, who was less than 100 percent due to illness. Freshman Ian Dorset also had a strong effort.
--Big breakthrough performance by senior Ryan Fitzsimons in the varsity race.
--Senior captain Brian Townsend had a solid frontrunning performance.
--In the “nice planning, coach” department … Salek (2nd fastest time of the day), Hild (5th fastest), Windisch (7th fastest) and Nick Hughes (9th fastest) all were in the non-championship Purple Race. This highlights our depth but also the volatility and unpredictability of our sport.
--On the women’s side, things went much more according to form as the top 9 times for the day were all in the varsity (championship) race.
--Our women’s team continued the stellar fall with a fifth-place finish in a fantastic field that included America East powers New Hampshire and UAlbany, along with Middlebury and McGill.
--In a tribute to how outstanding a season she is having, freshman Michelle Gaye’s ninth-place finish continued her season-long streak of top-10 performances. Ninth is the furthest back she has been all season, and on this day, that was a tribute to how strong the field was.
--Our top-3 of Michelle, senior Addie DiFrancesco and freshman Erin Thompson continued their strong showings with top-25 finishes and a 35-second gap.
--Our gap to our fourth finisher, junior Katie Messina, was another 12 seconds. Coach Chuck has stressed the need for us to continue to close gaps, and that is always so vital in this sport.
In general, this was a solid day for us on a new UAlbany course. The weather could have been much worse. It was cool and breezy – at times, VERY breezy – but at least it was dry.
Now, we move on to prepare for the true championship portion of our season: MAAC, NCAA Regionals, ECAC/IC4As.
UAlbany women's results
UAlbany Invitational
Women’s Gold Race
Individual results, 5,000-meter course
6-Dayna McLaughlin 20:03.4 (6:28 pace)
7-Tara Nuccitelli 20:08.8 (6:30 pace)
8-Colleen Smith 20:12.6 (6:31 pace)
11-Kara Lightowler 20:27.0 (6:35 pace)
12-Elizabeth O’Brien 20:28.5 (6:36 pace)
14-Alex Davis 20:39.5 (6:39 pace)
16-Laura Lindsley 20:51.1 (6:43 pace)
17-Allyson O’Brien 20:58.2 (6:45 pace)
18-Rachel Lichtenwalner 21:00.2 (6:46 pace)
22-Kelley Hanifin 21:13.6 (6:50 pace)
24-Kim Bartlett 21:27.0 (6:55 pace)
25-Miy Mahran 21:38.8 (6:59 pace)
55 finishers
Team standings:
1-Middlebury 18, 2-Marist 37, 3-Sacred Heart 89, 4-Keene State 100, 5-Hartford 123, 6-Springfield 166
UAlbany Invitational
Women’s Championship Race
Individual results, 5,000-meter course
9-Michelle Gaye 18:05.3
15-Addie DiFrancesco 18:24.7
24-Erin Thompson 18:40.1
32-Katie Messina 18:52.3
45-Brianna Freestone 19:15.5
47-Briana Crowe 19:17.0
53-Jackie Gamboli 19:25.0
59-Rebecca Denise 19:36.5
61-Erin O’Reilly 19:39.2
87-Megan Brady 20:22.4
111-Kathryn Sheehan 20:50.0
192 finishers
Team standings:
1-New Hampshire 29, 2-Middlebury 64, 3-Albany 91, 4-McGill 103, 5-Marist 120, 6-Sacred Heart 169, 7-Canisius 251, 8-Binghamton 291, 9-Hartford 294, 10-Brandeis 299, 11-Adelphi 330, 12-St. Francis 398, 13-Ramapo 417, 14-Springfield 418, 15-Niagara 423, 16-St. Bonaventure 441, 17-CW Post 473, 18-Keene State 477, 19-Siena 483, 20-Daemen 530, 21-Molloy 579, 22-FDU 633, 23-LIU 715
Combined individual results, 5,000-meter course
Michelle Gaye 18:05.3
Addie DiFrancesco 18:24.7
Erin Thompson 18:40.1
Katie Messina 18:52.3
Brianna Freestone 19:15.5
Briana Crowe 19:17.0
Jackie Gamboli 19:25.0
Rebecca Denise 19:36.5
Erin O’Reilly 19:39.2
Dayna McLaughlin 20:03.4
Tara Nuccitelli 20:08.8
Colleen Smith 20:12.6
Megan Brady 20:22.4
Kara Lightowler 20:27.0
Elizabeth O’Brien 20:28.5
Alex Davis 20:39.5
Kathryn Sheehan 20:50.0
Laura Lindsley 20:51.1
Allyson O’Brien 20:58.2
Rachel Lichtenwalner 21:00.2
Kelley Hanifin 21:13.6
Kim Bartlett 21:27.0
Miy Mahran 21:38.8
Women’s Gold Race
Individual results, 5,000-meter course
6-Dayna McLaughlin 20:03.4 (6:28 pace)
7-Tara Nuccitelli 20:08.8 (6:30 pace)
8-Colleen Smith 20:12.6 (6:31 pace)
11-Kara Lightowler 20:27.0 (6:35 pace)
12-Elizabeth O’Brien 20:28.5 (6:36 pace)
14-Alex Davis 20:39.5 (6:39 pace)
16-Laura Lindsley 20:51.1 (6:43 pace)
17-Allyson O’Brien 20:58.2 (6:45 pace)
18-Rachel Lichtenwalner 21:00.2 (6:46 pace)
22-Kelley Hanifin 21:13.6 (6:50 pace)
24-Kim Bartlett 21:27.0 (6:55 pace)
25-Miy Mahran 21:38.8 (6:59 pace)
55 finishers
Team standings:
1-Middlebury 18, 2-Marist 37, 3-Sacred Heart 89, 4-Keene State 100, 5-Hartford 123, 6-Springfield 166
UAlbany Invitational
Women’s Championship Race
Individual results, 5,000-meter course
9-Michelle Gaye 18:05.3
15-Addie DiFrancesco 18:24.7
24-Erin Thompson 18:40.1
32-Katie Messina 18:52.3
45-Brianna Freestone 19:15.5
47-Briana Crowe 19:17.0
53-Jackie Gamboli 19:25.0
59-Rebecca Denise 19:36.5
61-Erin O’Reilly 19:39.2
87-Megan Brady 20:22.4
111-Kathryn Sheehan 20:50.0
192 finishers
Team standings:
1-New Hampshire 29, 2-Middlebury 64, 3-Albany 91, 4-McGill 103, 5-Marist 120, 6-Sacred Heart 169, 7-Canisius 251, 8-Binghamton 291, 9-Hartford 294, 10-Brandeis 299, 11-Adelphi 330, 12-St. Francis 398, 13-Ramapo 417, 14-Springfield 418, 15-Niagara 423, 16-St. Bonaventure 441, 17-CW Post 473, 18-Keene State 477, 19-Siena 483, 20-Daemen 530, 21-Molloy 579, 22-FDU 633, 23-LIU 715
Combined individual results, 5,000-meter course
Michelle Gaye 18:05.3
Addie DiFrancesco 18:24.7
Erin Thompson 18:40.1
Katie Messina 18:52.3
Brianna Freestone 19:15.5
Briana Crowe 19:17.0
Jackie Gamboli 19:25.0
Rebecca Denise 19:36.5
Erin O’Reilly 19:39.2
Dayna McLaughlin 20:03.4
Tara Nuccitelli 20:08.8
Colleen Smith 20:12.6
Megan Brady 20:22.4
Kara Lightowler 20:27.0
Elizabeth O’Brien 20:28.5
Alex Davis 20:39.5
Kathryn Sheehan 20:50.0
Laura Lindsley 20:51.1
Allyson O’Brien 20:58.2
Rachel Lichtenwalner 21:00.2
Kelley Hanifin 21:13.6
Kim Bartlett 21:27.0
Miy Mahran 21:38.8
UAlbany men's results
UAlbany Invitational
Men’s Purple Race
Individual results, 8,000-meter course
1-Nick Salek 26:49.5 (5:24 pace)
6-Billy Hild 27:14.3 (5:29 pace)
7-Ben Windisch 27:23.1 (5:31 pace)
8-Nick Hughes 27:36.6 (5:34 pace)
14-Ryan Brown 28:08.3 (5:40 pace)
15-Andrew James 28:08.4 (5:40 pace)
18-Kyle Havard 28:18.2 (5:42 pace)
20-Brian Gordon 28:29.7 (5:44 pace)
21-Will Schanz 28:36.5 (5:46 pace)
22-Doug Ainscow 28:37.5 (5:46 pace)
33-Bryan Buttigieg 29:34.7 (5:57 pace)
35-Luke Shane 29:54.9 (6:02 pace)
38-Adam Osowski 30:15.0 (6:06 pace)
39-Brendan Green 30:23.9 (6:07 pace)
43-Dominick Corradi 31:22.1 (6:19 pace)
52 finishers
Team standings:
1-UAlbany 32, 2-Marist 34, 3-Middlebury 64, 4-Springfield 110
UAlbany Invitational
Men’s Championship race
Individual results, 8,000-meter course
38-Brian Townsend 26:34.9 (5:21 pace)
61-Mark Valentino 27:00.7 (5:27 pace)
73-Ian Dorset 27:11.6 (5:29 pace)
78-Ryan Fitzsimons 27:17.6 (5:30 pace)
81-Ryan Scrudato 27:25.2 (5:31 pace)
93-Tommy Lappas 27:39.7 (5:34 pace)
95-Rob Gorski 27:42.7 (5:35 pace)
111-Mike Keegan 28:10.6 (5:41 pace)
185 finishers
Team standings:
1-UAlbany 36, 2-Binghamton 51, 3-Middlebury 89, 4-New Hampshire 154, 5-Brandeis 164, 6-Colgate 211, 7-St. Francis 228, 8-Keene State 229, 9-Hartford 237, 10-Canisius 240, 11-Marist 308, 12-Siena 350, 13-Sacred Heart 366, 14-Springfield 370, 15-Niagara 384, 16-Ramapo 436, 17-Daemon 475, 18-FDU 521, 19-LIU 522, 20-St. Bonaventure 539, 21-Molloy 565
Combined individual results, 8,000-meter course
Brian Townsend 26:34.9 (5:21 pace)
Nick Salek 26:49.5 (5:24 pace)
Mark Valentino 27:00.7 (5:27 pace)
Ian Dorset 27:11.6 (5:29 pace)
Billy Hild 27:14.3 (5:29 pace)
Ryan Fitzsimons 27:17.6 (5:30 pace)
Ben Windisch 27:23.1 (5:31 pace)
Ryan Scrudato 27:25.2 (5:31 pace)
Nick Hughes 27:36.6 (5:34 pace)
Tommy Lappas 27:39.7 (5:34 pace)
Rob Gorski 27:42.7 (5:35 pace)
Ryan Brown 28:08.3 (5:40 pace)
Andrew James 28:08.4 (5:40 pace)
Mike Keegan 28:10.6 (5:41 pace)
Kyle Havard 28:18.2 (5:42 pace)
Brian Gordon 28:29.7 (5:44 pace)
Will Schanz 28:36.5 (5:46 pace)
Doug Ainscow 28:37.5 (5:46 pace)
Bryan Buttigieg 29:34.7 (5:57 pace)
Luke Shane 29:54.9 (6:02 pace)
Adam Osowski 30:15.0 (6:06 pace)
Brendan Green 30:23.9 (6:07 pace)
Dominick Corradi 31:22.1 (6:19 pace)
Men’s Purple Race
Individual results, 8,000-meter course
1-Nick Salek 26:49.5 (5:24 pace)
6-Billy Hild 27:14.3 (5:29 pace)
7-Ben Windisch 27:23.1 (5:31 pace)
8-Nick Hughes 27:36.6 (5:34 pace)
14-Ryan Brown 28:08.3 (5:40 pace)
15-Andrew James 28:08.4 (5:40 pace)
18-Kyle Havard 28:18.2 (5:42 pace)
20-Brian Gordon 28:29.7 (5:44 pace)
21-Will Schanz 28:36.5 (5:46 pace)
22-Doug Ainscow 28:37.5 (5:46 pace)
33-Bryan Buttigieg 29:34.7 (5:57 pace)
35-Luke Shane 29:54.9 (6:02 pace)
38-Adam Osowski 30:15.0 (6:06 pace)
39-Brendan Green 30:23.9 (6:07 pace)
43-Dominick Corradi 31:22.1 (6:19 pace)
52 finishers
Team standings:
1-UAlbany 32, 2-Marist 34, 3-Middlebury 64, 4-Springfield 110
UAlbany Invitational
Men’s Championship race
Individual results, 8,000-meter course
38-Brian Townsend 26:34.9 (5:21 pace)
61-Mark Valentino 27:00.7 (5:27 pace)
73-Ian Dorset 27:11.6 (5:29 pace)
78-Ryan Fitzsimons 27:17.6 (5:30 pace)
81-Ryan Scrudato 27:25.2 (5:31 pace)
93-Tommy Lappas 27:39.7 (5:34 pace)
95-Rob Gorski 27:42.7 (5:35 pace)
111-Mike Keegan 28:10.6 (5:41 pace)
185 finishers
Team standings:
1-UAlbany 36, 2-Binghamton 51, 3-Middlebury 89, 4-New Hampshire 154, 5-Brandeis 164, 6-Colgate 211, 7-St. Francis 228, 8-Keene State 229, 9-Hartford 237, 10-Canisius 240, 11-Marist 308, 12-Siena 350, 13-Sacred Heart 366, 14-Springfield 370, 15-Niagara 384, 16-Ramapo 436, 17-Daemon 475, 18-FDU 521, 19-LIU 522, 20-St. Bonaventure 539, 21-Molloy 565
Combined individual results, 8,000-meter course
Brian Townsend 26:34.9 (5:21 pace)
Nick Salek 26:49.5 (5:24 pace)
Mark Valentino 27:00.7 (5:27 pace)
Ian Dorset 27:11.6 (5:29 pace)
Billy Hild 27:14.3 (5:29 pace)
Ryan Fitzsimons 27:17.6 (5:30 pace)
Ben Windisch 27:23.1 (5:31 pace)
Ryan Scrudato 27:25.2 (5:31 pace)
Nick Hughes 27:36.6 (5:34 pace)
Tommy Lappas 27:39.7 (5:34 pace)
Rob Gorski 27:42.7 (5:35 pace)
Ryan Brown 28:08.3 (5:40 pace)
Andrew James 28:08.4 (5:40 pace)
Mike Keegan 28:10.6 (5:41 pace)
Kyle Havard 28:18.2 (5:42 pace)
Brian Gordon 28:29.7 (5:44 pace)
Will Schanz 28:36.5 (5:46 pace)
Doug Ainscow 28:37.5 (5:46 pace)
Bryan Buttigieg 29:34.7 (5:57 pace)
Luke Shane 29:54.9 (6:02 pace)
Adam Osowski 30:15.0 (6:06 pace)
Brendan Green 30:23.9 (6:07 pace)
Dominick Corradi 31:22.1 (6:19 pace)
Friday, October 14, 2011
Penn State National meet today
Just got back from a very long and very soggy van trip to and from Penn State. The rain was heavy and relentless for most of the trip – including during our team’s race time.
The course was very soggy and very, very muddy. It’s cross country. Deal with it. Please keep that, and the 5.2-mile distance, in mind when judging the times from today. Basically, the times mean virtually nothing.
Kenny Walshak probably had the best individual performance of the day – and he face-planted in the sloppy mud. I wish I could share a picture of his formerly white singlet with you, but I do not have one.
Senior captains Will Griffin and Matt Flint did their usual yeoman’s job leading our team. Flint was a little flat on this day and can do better, but he certainly did not hurt our team. Will ran a solid front-running race. Their consistency and leadership is something I have never taken for granted, and never will.
As mentioned, Kenny had a great race and closed the gap on our front runners, which is so key for us. Freshman Justin Tampellini went out a bit too aggressively and paid for it over the final 2 miles. Still, he hung tough and continues to be a consistent scoring runner for us.
Senior captain Tommy Lipari had his best race of the season and provided our final scoring spot. Still, he can be better and needs to be better. He knows it, and the final championship meets will be important for him and for us.
Junior Quimes DelaCruz had a rough day. He has been suffering from illness. In retrospect – hindsight being 20-20 – Q should not have raced. I’ll take the blame on that one. But he gave it his best. His breathing was labored, so he basically turned it into a fartlek workout. He would push hard for about 30 seconds, and then his breathing suffered. Very frustrating.
We could easily play the “well, if Quimes were up with (fill in the blank) we would have moved up (fill in the blank) spots.” But that’s not how it works in real life. It is what it is, and you are what the final team standings say you are (to paraphrase legendary football coach Bill Parcells).
Junior Joel Moss had a decent race, but we know he can do much better. Junior Mike Nicoletti suffered from cramps in the second part of the race, and the disappointing results ensued.
In all, a mixed bag for us.
We finished one place higher than last year’s 12th place. But we are realistic enough to assess that this year’s field was smaller and not as competitive as 2010. Last year, Penn State was the Mid-Atlantic Regional host; this year, many national-caliber teams were out at Wisconsin or PreNats. In an interesting twist, this year we placed one point behind Akron. Last year, Akron was one point behind us. I’m not sure what this means, other than it is a statistical quirk.
OK. Time to dry out and rest up for a big day at the UAlbany Invy on Saturday. Last year, we missed that as Penn State was also on Saturday. I remember calling and texting team members from a random rest area in PA to get results. And feeling guilty about it every second. This year, with Penn State out of the way, we will be there at Albany for the rest of the men’s team and the women’s team. Looking forward to it.
Penn State National Invitational
Friday, October 14, 2011
Penn State Golf Course
Team standings: 1-Penn State 47, 2-Grand Valley State 55, 3-Duquesne 77, 4-Lehigh 142, 5-Montana State 177, 6-Buffalo 178, 7-Penn 236, 8-Lock Haven 238, 9-Miami (Ohio) 248, 10-Akron 264, 11-Marist 265, 12-Ferris State 317, 13-Rider 391, 14-Carnegie Mellon 395, 15-Temple 459, 16-Florida International 465, 17-Robert Morris 501, 18-Youngstown State 505, 19-Hofstra 507, 20-Loyola 538, 21-Wofford 615
Individual results, 5.2-mile course
19-Will Griffin 27:03
23-Matt Flint 27:10
56-Ken Walshak 27:46
106-Justin Tampellini 28:41
108-Tommy Lipari 28:43
118-Arquimedes DelaCruz 29:03
125-Joel Moss 29:08
143-Mike Nicoletti 29:36
The course was very soggy and very, very muddy. It’s cross country. Deal with it. Please keep that, and the 5.2-mile distance, in mind when judging the times from today. Basically, the times mean virtually nothing.
Kenny Walshak probably had the best individual performance of the day – and he face-planted in the sloppy mud. I wish I could share a picture of his formerly white singlet with you, but I do not have one.
Senior captains Will Griffin and Matt Flint did their usual yeoman’s job leading our team. Flint was a little flat on this day and can do better, but he certainly did not hurt our team. Will ran a solid front-running race. Their consistency and leadership is something I have never taken for granted, and never will.
As mentioned, Kenny had a great race and closed the gap on our front runners, which is so key for us. Freshman Justin Tampellini went out a bit too aggressively and paid for it over the final 2 miles. Still, he hung tough and continues to be a consistent scoring runner for us.
Senior captain Tommy Lipari had his best race of the season and provided our final scoring spot. Still, he can be better and needs to be better. He knows it, and the final championship meets will be important for him and for us.
Junior Quimes DelaCruz had a rough day. He has been suffering from illness. In retrospect – hindsight being 20-20 – Q should not have raced. I’ll take the blame on that one. But he gave it his best. His breathing was labored, so he basically turned it into a fartlek workout. He would push hard for about 30 seconds, and then his breathing suffered. Very frustrating.
We could easily play the “well, if Quimes were up with (fill in the blank) we would have moved up (fill in the blank) spots.” But that’s not how it works in real life. It is what it is, and you are what the final team standings say you are (to paraphrase legendary football coach Bill Parcells).
Junior Joel Moss had a decent race, but we know he can do much better. Junior Mike Nicoletti suffered from cramps in the second part of the race, and the disappointing results ensued.
In all, a mixed bag for us.
We finished one place higher than last year’s 12th place. But we are realistic enough to assess that this year’s field was smaller and not as competitive as 2010. Last year, Penn State was the Mid-Atlantic Regional host; this year, many national-caliber teams were out at Wisconsin or PreNats. In an interesting twist, this year we placed one point behind Akron. Last year, Akron was one point behind us. I’m not sure what this means, other than it is a statistical quirk.
OK. Time to dry out and rest up for a big day at the UAlbany Invy on Saturday. Last year, we missed that as Penn State was also on Saturday. I remember calling and texting team members from a random rest area in PA to get results. And feeling guilty about it every second. This year, with Penn State out of the way, we will be there at Albany for the rest of the men’s team and the women’s team. Looking forward to it.
Penn State National Invitational
Friday, October 14, 2011
Penn State Golf Course
Team standings: 1-Penn State 47, 2-Grand Valley State 55, 3-Duquesne 77, 4-Lehigh 142, 5-Montana State 177, 6-Buffalo 178, 7-Penn 236, 8-Lock Haven 238, 9-Miami (Ohio) 248, 10-Akron 264, 11-Marist 265, 12-Ferris State 317, 13-Rider 391, 14-Carnegie Mellon 395, 15-Temple 459, 16-Florida International 465, 17-Robert Morris 501, 18-Youngstown State 505, 19-Hofstra 507, 20-Loyola 538, 21-Wofford 615
Individual results, 5.2-mile course
19-Will Griffin 27:03
23-Matt Flint 27:10
56-Ken Walshak 27:46
106-Justin Tampellini 28:41
108-Tommy Lipari 28:43
118-Arquimedes DelaCruz 29:03
125-Joel Moss 29:08
143-Mike Nicoletti 29:36
Thursday, October 13, 2011
An evening in Happy Valley
Just got back from a nice dinner at Ruby Tuesday's with the boys ... and Hopkins.
Great to see Marist Running Alum Sean Hopkins, now an assistant coach with the stellar women's program at West Virginia. We sat at the bar and had our dinner in the crowded restaurant, catching up on a lot of running-related stuff.
The trip to the restaurant was very interesting. We got in the van for the "drive" to the restaurant, only to realize that it was literally next door to the hotel. So, I basically did a useless loop on a few roads before parking the van ... back in the hotel lot from whence we came.
FYI: Two years ago, this meet was canceled due to a freakish snowstorm here in Happy Valley. It is quite mild out tonight, but the forecast tomorrow morning is for thunderstorms. Hmmm.
Great to see Marist Running Alum Sean Hopkins, now an assistant coach with the stellar women's program at West Virginia. We sat at the bar and had our dinner in the crowded restaurant, catching up on a lot of running-related stuff.
The trip to the restaurant was very interesting. We got in the van for the "drive" to the restaurant, only to realize that it was literally next door to the hotel. So, I basically did a useless loop on a few roads before parking the van ... back in the hotel lot from whence we came.
FYI: Two years ago, this meet was canceled due to a freakish snowstorm here in Happy Valley. It is quite mild out tonight, but the forecast tomorrow morning is for thunderstorms. Hmmm.
Greetings from State College
A long day of travel in the van is complete, as we have arrived at the Marriott Courtyard in State College, PA. We are here for the Penn State National XC Meet. Our men run at 10 a.m. on Friday.
The drive featured several downpours, endless construction delays on PA interstates and plenty of questionable music choices.
One highlight (?) was Quimes DelaCruz (in the usual shotgun spot) discovering an app on his phone that enabled him to sing along with music lyrics of songs on the radio. We were able to hear him (and others) serenade us with "Jesse's Girl" and a Madonna song that I cannot remember (with good reason).
The Penn State course is grassy, wet and muddy -- typical cross country. Our guys reported that the course is in better shape than Lehigh's from two weeks ago. We'll see how it goes ...
The drive featured several downpours, endless construction delays on PA interstates and plenty of questionable music choices.
One highlight (?) was Quimes DelaCruz (in the usual shotgun spot) discovering an app on his phone that enabled him to sing along with music lyrics of songs on the radio. We were able to hear him (and others) serenade us with "Jesse's Girl" and a Madonna song that I cannot remember (with good reason).
The Penn State course is grassy, wet and muddy -- typical cross country. Our guys reported that the course is in better shape than Lehigh's from two weeks ago. We'll see how it goes ...
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Me and my streaks
Like every New Year’s Day for more than a decade, on Jan. 1, 2011, I had three personal “streaks” that were intact and waiting to be continued for yet another year. Those streaks included:
1-My consecutive columns streak in the Poughkeepsie Journal. Beginning in April of 1992, when I first wrote the “On The Run” column devoted to local road racing and running news, I never missed writing a column for publication in the Thursday newspaper.
2-My consecutive running streak, of which I discussed in my recent post entitled “Confessions of a Streak Runner.” That streak began on June 27, 1998.
3-My consecutive marathon-a-year streak, in which I have completed at least one marathon distance race each year since 1987. (As a side note to this streak, I completed my first marathon in 1983, while a first semester sophomore in college – for those keeping score at home, this is not generally recommended. I ran marathons in each of the next two years (1984 and 1985), but did not run a marathon in 1986 -- ironically the year I chased and achieved my “shorter distance” PRs at 5km and 10km. Had I squeezed in a marathon in 1986, this streak would have been even longer).
Anyway, as most of you know, streaks #1 and #2 have ended.
Streak #1 was by far the easiest one to maintain. Basically, I just needed to be alive with a semi-functioning brain (debatable) and the ability to type on a keyboard. Unfortunately, and understandably, this streak became the casualty of freelance budget cuts at Dutchess County’s Finest Daily Newspaper. Having worked there for close to a quarter century, and with many close friends still working there, I understand the business and I appreciate the chance to continue to write on a semi-regular basis. But the weekly column streak ended at exactly 1,000 weeks, back in June.
Streak #2’s demise was well-chronicled. No need to rehash it here. It is still missed and mourned -- each and every day.
Streak #3? It remains alive and well, thanks to my successful completion of Sunday’s Mohawk Hudson River Marathon.
Sunday’s race represented my fastest marathon since 2004 – and my fastest marathon time since turning 40. For me, this run was nothing short of remarkable. I have been through a lot of physical and medical issues in the past month. As a result, getting to the starting line, much less the finish line, was a chore in and of itself.
Once the race started, the 8:30 or so pace per mile felt remarkably relaxed, comfortable and in control – even on the warm October day. By mixing in planned walk breaks and unplanned bladder breaks (hydration is key; over-hydration is not great, but better than dehydration on this day), I was able to maintain race pace from start to finish. The splits tell the story: First 13.1 miles in 1:52:16; second 13.1 miles in 1:51:52. Could not have planned it any better if I tried.
Ironically, ending Streak #2 may have contributed to a faster marathon, as I went into the race more tapered and ready than I had for any race in, well, 13.25 years!
So, I started the year with three streaks. Ten and a half months later, one streak remains. One is better than none, and I am pleased with that.
1-My consecutive columns streak in the Poughkeepsie Journal. Beginning in April of 1992, when I first wrote the “On The Run” column devoted to local road racing and running news, I never missed writing a column for publication in the Thursday newspaper.
2-My consecutive running streak, of which I discussed in my recent post entitled “Confessions of a Streak Runner.” That streak began on June 27, 1998.
3-My consecutive marathon-a-year streak, in which I have completed at least one marathon distance race each year since 1987. (As a side note to this streak, I completed my first marathon in 1983, while a first semester sophomore in college – for those keeping score at home, this is not generally recommended. I ran marathons in each of the next two years (1984 and 1985), but did not run a marathon in 1986 -- ironically the year I chased and achieved my “shorter distance” PRs at 5km and 10km. Had I squeezed in a marathon in 1986, this streak would have been even longer).
Anyway, as most of you know, streaks #1 and #2 have ended.
Streak #1 was by far the easiest one to maintain. Basically, I just needed to be alive with a semi-functioning brain (debatable) and the ability to type on a keyboard. Unfortunately, and understandably, this streak became the casualty of freelance budget cuts at Dutchess County’s Finest Daily Newspaper. Having worked there for close to a quarter century, and with many close friends still working there, I understand the business and I appreciate the chance to continue to write on a semi-regular basis. But the weekly column streak ended at exactly 1,000 weeks, back in June.
Streak #2’s demise was well-chronicled. No need to rehash it here. It is still missed and mourned -- each and every day.
Streak #3? It remains alive and well, thanks to my successful completion of Sunday’s Mohawk Hudson River Marathon.
Sunday’s race represented my fastest marathon since 2004 – and my fastest marathon time since turning 40. For me, this run was nothing short of remarkable. I have been through a lot of physical and medical issues in the past month. As a result, getting to the starting line, much less the finish line, was a chore in and of itself.
Once the race started, the 8:30 or so pace per mile felt remarkably relaxed, comfortable and in control – even on the warm October day. By mixing in planned walk breaks and unplanned bladder breaks (hydration is key; over-hydration is not great, but better than dehydration on this day), I was able to maintain race pace from start to finish. The splits tell the story: First 13.1 miles in 1:52:16; second 13.1 miles in 1:51:52. Could not have planned it any better if I tried.
Ironically, ending Streak #2 may have contributed to a faster marathon, as I went into the race more tapered and ready than I had for any race in, well, 13.25 years!
So, I started the year with three streaks. Ten and a half months later, one streak remains. One is better than none, and I am pleased with that.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Great marathon debut for Zak!
Congratulations to Marist Running alum Zak Smetana for his excellent marathon debut at Sunday’s Mohawk Hudson River Marathon in the Albany area. Zak finished 16th overall in 2:54:22, winning his age group on an unusually warm day.
Zak ran the majority of the race with his old Niskayuna High School teammates (and Bucknell track alums) Timothy and Michael Ryan. The three of them finished with identical times.
It was a family affair, as Zak’s sister Corey ran a strong time of 3:26:49, also winning an age group award, and Zak’s mom (a Boston Marathon qualifier in the past) also finished the race.
I was there, completing my yearly marathon (more on that in a future post) in 3:43:55.
Nicely done to Zak and family!
Zak ran the majority of the race with his old Niskayuna High School teammates (and Bucknell track alums) Timothy and Michael Ryan. The three of them finished with identical times.
It was a family affair, as Zak’s sister Corey ran a strong time of 3:26:49, also winning an age group award, and Zak’s mom (a Boston Marathon qualifier in the past) also finished the race.
I was there, completing my yearly marathon (more on that in a future post) in 3:43:55.
Nicely done to Zak and family!
Upcoming meet times
For those interested in attending upcoming meets in October … NOTE LATER TIMES FOR UALBANY MEET.
Friday’s Penn State National meet: 10 a.m. start for men
Saturday’s UAlbany Invitational
Women’s Gold (non-varsity) 5K: 1:30 p.m.
Men’s Purple (non-varsity) 8K: 2:05 p.m.
Women’s Championship (varsity) 5K: 2:35 p.m.
Men’s Championship (varsity) 8K: 3:10 p.m.
MAAC Championships, Friday, Oct. 28, at Van Cortlandt
Women’s Championship: Noon
Men’s Championship: 12:45 p.m.
Friday’s Penn State National meet: 10 a.m. start for men
Saturday’s UAlbany Invitational
Women’s Gold (non-varsity) 5K: 1:30 p.m.
Men’s Purple (non-varsity) 8K: 2:05 p.m.
Women’s Championship (varsity) 5K: 2:35 p.m.
Men’s Championship (varsity) 8K: 3:10 p.m.
MAAC Championships, Friday, Oct. 28, at Van Cortlandt
Women’s Championship: Noon
Men’s Championship: 12:45 p.m.
Wildlife update
Thanks to two good friends for adding to the discussion about the red fox sighting on campus.
1. My old pal Bob, now living out in the Boulder area, sent this link from the Daily Camera newspaper about a mountain lion who was feeling quite comfortable on the Colorado campus. Could there be a new book coming out ... Running with the Mountain Lions?
2. My pal Krys, who works as a public sanitarian with the Department of Health, warns that our friendly red fox could carry rabies, since "any unusual behavior" could be an indication of a rabid animal. "Unusual behavior," in this case, is a friendly fox.
Who knew?
1. My old pal Bob, now living out in the Boulder area, sent this link from the Daily Camera newspaper about a mountain lion who was feeling quite comfortable on the Colorado campus. Could there be a new book coming out ... Running with the Mountain Lions?
2. My pal Krys, who works as a public sanitarian with the Department of Health, warns that our friendly red fox could carry rabies, since "any unusual behavior" could be an indication of a rabid animal. "Unusual behavior," in this case, is a friendly fox.
Who knew?
Friday, October 7, 2011
One rockin’ dad!
En route to the Mets meet in the van on Friday, sophomore Doug Ainscow was riding shotgun. Doug is a great kid, we love having him on the team -- but he is a very quiet, hard-working and unassuming young man who doesn’t say much.
A prerequisite of riding shotgun is keeping the old man in the driver’s seat (that would be me) engaged in conversation – or at least tolerating the habit of listening to sports talk or NPR. So it was nice that Doug initiated the conversation by asking me what I thought of the B-52s. I told him I was neutral on them – I liked their music but not enough to actually own any of it.
Then, Doug launched into a great story about the B-52s and his dad, Bill, who is a HUGE B-52s fan. As you will see.
Mr. Ainscow was up for Family Weekend last week. In a major coup, somehow Marist Student Activities got the B-52s to play a concert in the acoustically challenged (but spiffy and new) McCann Arena on Saturday night. Mr. Ainscow, being a big fan, already had tickets to see the band in New Hampshire, but he could not resist seeing them two nights in a row.
Here’s something else our fearless dad could not resist: After the rockin’ show in McCann, Mr. Ainscow snuck around back to the band’s tour bus. In his hand, he had a 1978 album cover – for those keeping score at home, “albums” were big pieces of vinyl that we used to listen to on antiquated equipment called “turntables” – that he was hoping to get all the band members to sign. Apparently, they were delighted at their old fan’s persistence and signed the album for a clearly delighted dad.
Memo to Mr. Ainscow: Nicely done! And, keep rockin’ on …
A prerequisite of riding shotgun is keeping the old man in the driver’s seat (that would be me) engaged in conversation – or at least tolerating the habit of listening to sports talk or NPR. So it was nice that Doug initiated the conversation by asking me what I thought of the B-52s. I told him I was neutral on them – I liked their music but not enough to actually own any of it.
Then, Doug launched into a great story about the B-52s and his dad, Bill, who is a HUGE B-52s fan. As you will see.
Mr. Ainscow was up for Family Weekend last week. In a major coup, somehow Marist Student Activities got the B-52s to play a concert in the acoustically challenged (but spiffy and new) McCann Arena on Saturday night. Mr. Ainscow, being a big fan, already had tickets to see the band in New Hampshire, but he could not resist seeing them two nights in a row.
Here’s something else our fearless dad could not resist: After the rockin’ show in McCann, Mr. Ainscow snuck around back to the band’s tour bus. In his hand, he had a 1978 album cover – for those keeping score at home, “albums” were big pieces of vinyl that we used to listen to on antiquated equipment called “turntables” – that he was hoping to get all the band members to sign. Apparently, they were delighted at their old fan’s persistence and signed the album for a clearly delighted dad.
Memo to Mr. Ainscow: Nicely done! And, keep rockin’ on …
Oh, to be 2 places at once
As great as it was to be at Mets today, a big part of me was wishing I could be in New Paltz where our team did a very important – and, from what I could gather, very successful – mile repeats workout on the rail trail over there.
Great that we had good weather for it. The workout will pay dividends in the near future. Nicely done, everyone.
Great that we had good weather for it. The workout will pay dividends in the near future. Nicely done, everyone.
Blogs worth following
Two team members have blogs of their own and I urge you all to check them out …
--Freshman Mark Valentino posts daily on the “Daily Purple Otter” blog. Why Purple Otter? Well, you’ll just have to read it to find out.
--Senior Luke Shane posts infrequently – but when he does, wow!, it’s worth it – on his phenomenal blog called “Witness the Fitness.” Please check out his post titled “Runner’s Will, Runners Will.” It is pure poetry, and in my opinion, an award-winning caliber piece of writing.
I’m very proud of these guys, and I hope they continue posting.
To paraphrase Neil Young: Keep on bloggin’ in the free world …
--Freshman Mark Valentino posts daily on the “Daily Purple Otter” blog. Why Purple Otter? Well, you’ll just have to read it to find out.
--Senior Luke Shane posts infrequently – but when he does, wow!, it’s worth it – on his phenomenal blog called “Witness the Fitness.” Please check out his post titled “Runner’s Will, Runners Will.” It is pure poetry, and in my opinion, an award-winning caliber piece of writing.
I’m very proud of these guys, and I hope they continue posting.
To paraphrase Neil Young: Keep on bloggin’ in the free world …
Mets results from today
A beautiful day at Vanny. Sunny and mild, not too hot/not too cool ...
--Great to see Marty McGowan (Marist Running, Class of 1973), who made the trip up from Staten Island to see the current crop of Running Red Foxes. He said he was inspired by the performance of our young squad today. Inspiration flows both ways, my friend. At a very youthful 60 years old, your continued loyalty to our program remains awesome. Marty is a good friend to us all.
--Also great to see Greg Salamone (Marist Running, Class of 2001), who lives in nearby Marble Hill and gets to "work from home" on Fridays. Oh shoot. I hope I'm not blowing your cover here, Greg. Really, for those checking up on him, he was on his "lunch break" and he was "gathering material" for ... for ... whatever he's doing these days. Thanks for coming and cheering on a bunch of runners you do not know. Seriously, it is appreciated and we hope you spend your "lunch break" with us again in a few weeks at MAACs.
Here are today's Mets results ...
Metropolitan Championships
Friday, October 7, 2011
Van Cortlandt Park
Team standings: 1-Columbia 22, 2-NYU 61, 3-Fordham 88, 4-St. Francis 124, 5-Manhattan 164, 6-Rutgers 204, 7-Wagner 223, 8-Hofstra 243, 9-Seton Hall 256, 10-LIU 285, 11-St. Peter’s 300, 12-Marist 301, 13-FDU 319
Marist individual results
57-Rob Gorski 27:48 (personal best)
79-Brian Gordon 28:32 (personal best)
91-Doug Ainscow 29:03
109-Brendan Green 29:39 (VCP best)
126-Adam Osowski 30:39 (personal best)
127-Danny Mendoza 30:43 (VCP best)
132-Dominick Corradi 31:38 (personal best)
DNF-Chris Reynolds (hamstring)
How young was this crop of Running Red Foxes? Let's see ... 4 freshmen, 3 sophomores, 1 junior ... that's pretty young.
Random notes:
--Rob Gorski PRed by 54 seconds over CCSU
--Brian Gordon ran his first 8km XC race, just weeks after being diagnosed/treated for Lyme disease
--Dominick Corradi not only ran his first 8km XC race ... it was the first XC race of his life! Welcome aboard.
--Great to see Marty McGowan (Marist Running, Class of 1973), who made the trip up from Staten Island to see the current crop of Running Red Foxes. He said he was inspired by the performance of our young squad today. Inspiration flows both ways, my friend. At a very youthful 60 years old, your continued loyalty to our program remains awesome. Marty is a good friend to us all.
--Also great to see Greg Salamone (Marist Running, Class of 2001), who lives in nearby Marble Hill and gets to "work from home" on Fridays. Oh shoot. I hope I'm not blowing your cover here, Greg. Really, for those checking up on him, he was on his "lunch break" and he was "gathering material" for ... for ... whatever he's doing these days. Thanks for coming and cheering on a bunch of runners you do not know. Seriously, it is appreciated and we hope you spend your "lunch break" with us again in a few weeks at MAACs.
Here are today's Mets results ...
Metropolitan Championships
Friday, October 7, 2011
Van Cortlandt Park
Team standings: 1-Columbia 22, 2-NYU 61, 3-Fordham 88, 4-St. Francis 124, 5-Manhattan 164, 6-Rutgers 204, 7-Wagner 223, 8-Hofstra 243, 9-Seton Hall 256, 10-LIU 285, 11-St. Peter’s 300, 12-Marist 301, 13-FDU 319
Marist individual results
57-Rob Gorski 27:48 (personal best)
79-Brian Gordon 28:32 (personal best)
91-Doug Ainscow 29:03
109-Brendan Green 29:39 (VCP best)
126-Adam Osowski 30:39 (personal best)
127-Danny Mendoza 30:43 (VCP best)
132-Dominick Corradi 31:38 (personal best)
DNF-Chris Reynolds (hamstring)
How young was this crop of Running Red Foxes? Let's see ... 4 freshmen, 3 sophomores, 1 junior ... that's pretty young.
Random notes:
--Rob Gorski PRed by 54 seconds over CCSU
--Brian Gordon ran his first 8km XC race, just weeks after being diagnosed/treated for Lyme disease
--Dominick Corradi not only ran his first 8km XC race ... it was the first XC race of his life! Welcome aboard.
Who's counting?
Thanks to freshman (and fellow blogger) Mark Valentino, who alerted me to the fact that I could set up a page-view counter on the fancy blog here.
In case you did not notice it yet, it is over there on the top right of the blog layout.
Back when my blogging days first started when I was working at Dutchess County's Finest Daily Newspaper, these "page hits" counters were all the rage and there was competition among bloggers to see who had the most "hits."
Nowadays ... well, it really does not matter. But being a numbers geek, I kind of like it.
In case you did not notice it yet, it is over there on the top right of the blog layout.
Back when my blogging days first started when I was working at Dutchess County's Finest Daily Newspaper, these "page hits" counters were all the rage and there was competition among bloggers to see who had the most "hits."
Nowadays ... well, it really does not matter. But being a numbers geek, I kind of like it.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Red fox on campus
As a follow-up to the post of a few weeks ago, in which Terry Horton spotted the red fox on campus ... apparently our mascot has found a home here.
Thanks to freshman Kyle Hannafin for sending me this photo, which he took with his phone, of Marist's own red fox. It is a beautiful and placid creature.
Last night, as I was walking to the night class I teach and was chatting with team captain Matt Flint, we spotted the red fox ambling about peacefully in front of Donnelly Hall. I have encountered foxes before on trail runs, and they are generally skittish and dash away when spotted by humans.
Marist's red fox seemed quite at home, almost like a calm and domesticated dog. The fox drew a lot of attention and did not seem bothered by it. Amazing.
Go to women's soccer game on Friday night
This is a notice to all team members and those around the campus on Friday night:
GO TO THE MARIST WOMEN'S SOCCER GAME VS. ST. PETER'S.
Game time is 7 p.m., at Leonidoff Field.
Why? There are many reasons ...
1. It's always nice to support fellow Red Fox teams.
2. On this night, the women's soccer team will be honoring local breast cancer survivors, holding raffles and having other activities surrounding the cause of breast cancer.
3. We want to support this very worthy cause!
4. The weather's going to be really nice, so why not?
Last year, our teams attended this event and had a great time. Maybe too great, as one member of our men's XC team had to have his obnoxious vuvuleza (you know, that annoying horn from last year's World Cup fame) taken away. This is Poughkeepsie, not South Africa, so such behavior is apparently frowned upon.
Regardless ... go to the game. The women's soccer team is doing well, and we want to support them in their quest for a MAAC title.
GO TO THE MARIST WOMEN'S SOCCER GAME VS. ST. PETER'S.
Game time is 7 p.m., at Leonidoff Field.
Why? There are many reasons ...
1. It's always nice to support fellow Red Fox teams.
2. On this night, the women's soccer team will be honoring local breast cancer survivors, holding raffles and having other activities surrounding the cause of breast cancer.
3. We want to support this very worthy cause!
4. The weather's going to be really nice, so why not?
Last year, our teams attended this event and had a great time. Maybe too great, as one member of our men's XC team had to have his obnoxious vuvuleza (you know, that annoying horn from last year's World Cup fame) taken away. This is Poughkeepsie, not South Africa, so such behavior is apparently frowned upon.
Regardless ... go to the game. The women's soccer team is doing well, and we want to support them in their quest for a MAAC title.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Britt shines in Festival 5K
Most recent Marist Running alum Brittany Burns wore the Alumni Racing Team colors with pride up at the Syracuse Festival of Races 5K, a national-caliber event. Britt was fourth overall and first in her age group in 17:47.
This race doubled as the USA Masters Championship, so there were a lot of fast, older women in attendance. Britt said she was happy with her effort. Great run, Britt!
And thanks for sending along the picture.
For results, go here ...
Schab, Walsh: Strong half marathons
Two of most loyal Marist Running alums tuned up for their date with the NYC Marathon with strong half marathons this weekend.
--Matt Walsh won the trail Paine to Pain Half Marathon in New Rochelle in 1:21:35, outdistancing the field by several minutes and setting a course record in the process. For results, go here …
--Mike Schab ran a personal-best 1:17:23 at the Entenmann’s Great South Bay Run on Long Island. Schab reports that his first 6 miles were 36:01, his second 6 miles were 34:53 and his last 1.1 was 6:29. It all adds up to a 42-second PR.
Great work, men.
--Matt Walsh won the trail Paine to Pain Half Marathon in New Rochelle in 1:21:35, outdistancing the field by several minutes and setting a course record in the process. For results, go here …
--Mike Schab ran a personal-best 1:17:23 at the Entenmann’s Great South Bay Run on Long Island. Schab reports that his first 6 miles were 36:01, his second 6 miles were 34:53 and his last 1.1 was 6:29. It all adds up to a 42-second PR.
Great work, men.
Mr. Gould gets a W!
I have a new hero, and his name is Chris Gould. Yes. That’s right. Mr. Gould, as in Kelley’s dad (Kelley’s a junior on our xc team).
Aside from being an incredibly nice guy, he also happens to be an excellent runner. On Sunday, Mr. Gould proved that “middle age” does not have to mean “middle of the pack.” Chris turned 50 this year – sorry, that qualifies as “middle age” by any standards.
But how many 50-year-olds do you know that win road races outright? That’s what Chris did on Sunday at the 18th annual Putnam County Classic Half Marathon – his hometown race. Chris placed first overall in 1:32:36. Although I’ve never done this race, knowing that terrain from running the Sybil 50km a few times back in the day, it had to have been a course with some hills.
No matter. At 50, Chris Gould is a winner. Literally. And he’s my hero today. NICELY DONE MR. GOULD!
For results, go here ...
Aside from being an incredibly nice guy, he also happens to be an excellent runner. On Sunday, Mr. Gould proved that “middle age” does not have to mean “middle of the pack.” Chris turned 50 this year – sorry, that qualifies as “middle age” by any standards.
But how many 50-year-olds do you know that win road races outright? That’s what Chris did on Sunday at the 18th annual Putnam County Classic Half Marathon – his hometown race. Chris placed first overall in 1:32:36. Although I’ve never done this race, knowing that terrain from running the Sybil 50km a few times back in the day, it had to have been a course with some hills.
No matter. At 50, Chris Gould is a winner. Literally. And he’s my hero today. NICELY DONE MR. GOULD!
For results, go here ...
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Team picture from Lehigh
Thanks to Addie DiFrancesco for forwarding me this great team picture, taken by her father after yesterday’s strong team performance at Paul Short. Addie is holding the nice third-place glass trophy, surrounded by her varsity teammates and Coach Chuck on the left.
Here’s hoping this is the first in a series of hardware photos as we head into the championship portion of our season in October and November.
Chill out and read
Sometimes I wonder how much of an audience this blog has, but it was nice to hear one women’s team member tell me she is a regular blog reader. She said she catches up on the blog after practice – while she is chillin (literally) in the ice bath.
I won’t name names, but if you are interested just check the training room in the late afternoon. And let’s hope she doesn’t slip up and drop her Blackberry or whatever device into the 52-degree water. Lord knows that’s something I would do.
I won’t name names, but if you are interested just check the training room in the late afternoon. And let’s hope she doesn’t slip up and drop her Blackberry or whatever device into the 52-degree water. Lord knows that’s something I would do.
What’s next: Men at Mets
Our women’s team has raced – and raced well! – for the past three weeks. As a result, they will get a much-deserved bye week and focus on hard training as we round the bend toward the important meets to come in October and November.
The majority of our men’s team will be off this week as well, but we will have a contingent of men racing at the Metropolitan Championships at Van Cortlandt Park on Friday afternoon. Race time is 2:30 p.m., for those interested in attending.
The majority of our men’s team will be off this week as well, but we will have a contingent of men racing at the Metropolitan Championships at Van Cortlandt Park on Friday afternoon. Race time is 2:30 p.m., for those interested in attending.
Hello, October
The symmetry is pretty cool. Today is October 1. As if on cue, this afternoon the cool breezes started blowing. Leaves were rustling in the yard. And the temperature is plummeting.
That calendar has finally announced to the upper atmosphere that summer is over. Summer like warmth held on for one more day, at Paul Short – where, because of the balmy conditions, I shocked one and all by stripping to shorts and T-shirt (tube socks pulled up, of course). The reality is that September was very warm (not to mention very, very wet).
Now, it’s October. Daylight is getting scarce. So, too, are the hot days. It is about time.
That calendar has finally announced to the upper atmosphere that summer is over. Summer like warmth held on for one more day, at Paul Short – where, because of the balmy conditions, I shocked one and all by stripping to shorts and T-shirt (tube socks pulled up, of course). The reality is that September was very warm (not to mention very, very wet).
Now, it’s October. Daylight is getting scarce. So, too, are the hot days. It is about time.
Prinz, Rolek shine
A few alumni racing tidbits from the past few weeks …
Marist Running alum Sean Prinz blitzed a 5k in the DC area in 15:26, a big improvement for him over recent races and a fine indication of his fitness level. Prinz placed third in the Clarendon Day 5K.
Marist Running alum Mike Rolek cruised through the Newport Liberty Half Marathon in Jersey City in 1:10:45, earning a cash prize for his third-place finish.
Nicely done, men.
Marist Running alum Sean Prinz blitzed a 5k in the DC area in 15:26, a big improvement for him over recent races and a fine indication of his fitness level. Prinz placed third in the Clarendon Day 5K.
Marist Running alum Mike Rolek cruised through the Newport Liberty Half Marathon in Jersey City in 1:10:45, earning a cash prize for his third-place finish.
Nicely done, men.
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