Highlights from Last Season:Part I

As many might know that we are the most populated team on campus and with that brings great promise of success to the team as a whole.  As we look back at what has highlighted the team last year, we take the little steps forward to becoming better, not only as a team, but as individuals.  The XC team is already back at UHa, so why don't we start with their season last year.

The XC team had a very strong showing at all meets they competed in, with Senior Jonas Hampton and Junior Andy Chamlers leading the way.  Others that followed were Corey Smith, Wes Melnik who just graduated from UHa, Matt Le, Wayne Lawrence, Josh Hummel, and the rest of the Hawks. Through each meet, they have gotten down and gritted out the hardships of each repeat mile workout in Elizabeth Park and hill in their path. They each have their own success stories off and on the trails and woods they repeatedly run through each meet.  The most promising performance from the team as a whole would be at the Hawks first Annual Riverfront XC Invite.  Only a couple of mins away from the school grounds, the Hawks battled out against URI and Farmington State College. Chalmers and Hampton were leading the pack the whole way through the course with another competitor from URI, Michael Pezzullo, who finished behind the top two Hawks.  Gave them a run for their money going through the 8k race.  Through woods, running by the river, up a hill, and full of jagged rocks, the Hawks came out on top and won the very first Riverfront Invite.  After this meet, the Hawks continued their success as each runner improved their times over the XC season up to America East Conferences, New England's, had 7, that's right I said 7, Hawks represent the school at the NCAA Regionals.  They each continued their success and felt very good going into the next stage of the year, Indoor and Outdoor. The guys include only 3 new comers to the squad while the rest are returners ready to run.  Hope they are ready for what lies ahead of them.

The Lady Hawks XC season was also just as spectacular as the men's.  Each runner found success on the courses. Each runner had their own helping hand to where they are today.  During the year, you would see 3 different Hawks come in leading the way. Ariana Bass, Kayla Koonz, and Kaycee Martinez each shared the times of coming in first for the Hawks. At the very first Annual Hawks Riverfront Invite, the Lady Hawks placed 2nd at the meet with  URI took home the title for the women.  The top Hawk was Ariana Bass leading the way finishing 5th in the time of 20:07. Coming in after her was Stefanie Lombardi and then Kayla Koonz rounding out the top 3 for the Lady Hawks. The season where being in a tight group all the way through the 8k course and pacing off each other is more like a"support" season.  Where you can find yourself receiving support from on coming runners from different schools or being in a group of 20 runners and each person shares the lead.  During the school year, the Lady Hawks have been given great competition in out and the courses.  The lady Hawks now include 5 new freshman to the squad as they prepare for another season ahead of them .

I wish them all best of luck in the upcoming season.  Stay tuned for Part II and III for the Indoor and Outdoor Seasons highlights.