The Quinnipiac men’s and women’s cross-country teams are experiencing great success this year. Since the beginning of September, both teams have come away with solid performances. The men’s team was picked to finish second in the NEC in preseason polls. The women’s wasn’t doubted either, as they were placed third. While preseason polls are excellent ways to get a feel as to how a team will compete, these polls are only predictions. However, in the case of both Bobcat teams, these predictions were fairly accurate.
In the Quinnipiac-Fairfield dual meet, the men’s team took the top five spots. The women’s team nearly matched this outstanding performance with one of their own, taking the top three spots.
One week later, both squads showed that this early season victory was not a fluke. Both teams traveled to Sunken Meadow, New York to compete in the Stony Brook Invitational. The women started the day off strong with an early 10:30 am start. This did not cause the women to falter though, as they finished fifth out of seven teams. Inspired by the women’s strong outing, the men did not lose a step. They took the top spot out of six teams that were competing.
As if these strong outings were not convincing enough, just days later the, both the men’s and women’s teams had runners honored as NEC players of the week. Sophomore Michael Charron of Jeweet City, Connecticut and Senior Carolyn Robin of Foster, Rhode Island, were both given these honors on September 10.
Next on the agenda for the Bobcats was the Monmouth Invitational. After the race was postponed for three days due to rain, the runners were itching to get out on the course. The men displayed this urge as soon as they started the 4:00 PM race. Senior Thomas Martin of Commack, New York, finished second overall and helped propel the team to a second place finish, behind Lehigh University, and ahead of eleven other teams. Shortly after this race was concluded, the women’s team got their shot to excel at 4:45 pm. Led by Robin’s sixth fastest time, the Bobcats finished sixth out of twelve teams.
One week later, it was Quinnipiac’s turn to host an invitational meet. The women led off this time, with a 4:00 PM start. Robin continued her dominance by finishing with the fastest time. Inspired by her effort, the rest of the Bobcats finished strong and recorded a third place finish.
At 4:45 PM it was the men’s turn to showcase their abilities at home. Sophomore Jeffrey Roginielewicz of Derby, Connecticut, finished first overall, followed by three other Bobcat runners in the top ten. The men finished strong as a team, taking a close second to the University of Connecticut, who placed six runners in the top ten.
In the ensuing week, both Bobcat teams claimed very respectable honors. The women’s team had two runners receiving awards.
Robin claimed Athlete of the Week for the second time this year after finishing first in the Quinnipiac Invitational just days earlier. Freshman Heather Hoffman of Mancungie, Pennsylvania, accepted Rookie of the Week honors for her strong outing in the race. The men’s team jumped five spots in the New England Intercollegiate Amateur Athletic Association cross country poll, moving up to 20 from 15. Sophomore Richard Heffron III Hockessin, Delaware, took NEC Rookie of the Week Honors. A red shirt freshman last year, he was the top rookie finisher for Quinnipiac, finishing 22nd overall.
Both Bobcat squads will not run again until October 10th, when they will travel to Boston, Massachusetts to compete in the New England Championships. The women will run at 12:30 PM, while the men follow with a 1:00 PM start. Both teams will have plenty of time to absorb their due credit. Look for both to come out strong in their biggest stage of the season.
