Quinnipiac University hosted the 2009 Northeast Conference (NEC) Championships for the men’s and women’s cross country teams on Saturday, Oct. 31. The women locked up their fifth consecutive NEC Championship, while the men’s team took home the silver.

Sophomore Morgan Roche and freshman Becca White led the women with third- and fourth-place finishes, respectively. Roche was NEC Rookie of the Year last year, and is one of Quinnipiac’s five All-Conference performers this year. White, Kristen Stevens, Lindsey Pierret and Julie Lanning rounded out the group, totaling 33 points.

Quinnipiac’s first-year head coach Carolyn Martin had a successful season and was named NEC Coach of the Year. This was Quinnipiac’s fifth consecutive first-place finish.

“Going into the day, we were poised for another championship,” Martin said. “The girls are really building a tradition here, and alot of big recruits look at our school because of what we do on days like today.”

The weather conditions were less than ideal, as the course was wet and muddy. Parents and coaches lined the course and ran to catch up with the runners. They stood at every turn, barking words of encouragement at the competitors.

The men’s team finished in second with a total of 82 points. Sophomore Richard Klauber placed second overall and was one of three of the Bobcats’ All-Conference performers. Mike Levene and John Greenlaw also ran their way to All-Conference honors.

Central Connecticut State won the men’s championship for the first time in school history and St. Francis (Pa.) took third place.

NCAA Regionals will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Franklin Park in Boston.