Cross Country Finishes Strong Cross Country

The C.W. Post Cross Country team wrapped up their season on November 21^st at the Division II Northeast Regional Championship.

The men raced in the 10K event (6.2 miles) and placed 8^th overall in the Northeast Region. Crossing the line first for the Pioneers was graduate student Vince Giambanco who placed 22^nd with a time 32:20. Right on his heels was sophomore Christian Altamura with a time of 32:25, good for 24th place. Both Giambanco and Altamura’s times placed them in the top 10 of the all-time 10K list for C.W. Post University.

Following behind them was sophomore Matt O’Keefe who ran a time of 33:37, placing 50th. Coming in fourth for the Pioneers was sophomore Ray Coyle, who placed 55^th overall with a time of 33:42.  Next was freshman Joe Lasher who ran 33:48, placing 61st. Rounding out the top seven was sophomore TJ Speicher (34:42) and freshman Mike Fitzsimmons (38:45).

“For the past two years we have really built the cross country program back up.” stated Ray Coyle. “Now as we look to next year’s season, we look to be an even bigger regional threat.”

On the women’s side, the Lady Pioneers ran a 6K (3.8 miles) race and placed 19^th out of 29 teams. Coming in first for C.W. Post was freshman Karissa Chiantella who ran a time of 25:24, placing 77^th. Second was freshman Jenn McLaughlin who ran 25:26, placing 81st. Then came sophomore Caitlin Smith, who placed 109^th with a time of 26:18. Crossing the line after Smith was Angelica Price who ran 26:38 while placing 119^th. The fifth spot went to freshman Sara McLaughlin who ran 26:48 and placed 125^th. Rounding out the top seven was graduate student and team captain Erin Lusenskas (26:54) and sophomore Katherine Wilkens (27:51).

“As a coaching staff we all agree that as a program we have come a long way,” said Head Coach Rob Morris. “In the future on the men’s side we can be a legitimate threat for a national bid, and on the women’s side can be a true regional contender.”

This was the last race for Vince Giambanco and Erin Lusenkas who will not be returning next year. Overall this season proved to be another success for the Pionner’s runners; the men captured their second consecutive conference title and placed in the top 10 of the region while the women were competitive on both the conference and regional level all season.