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Brandeis University's Community Newspaper — Waltham, Mass.

X-country season ends with strong showing at DIII Championships

Published: November 16, 2007
Section: Sports


The Men's and Womens Cross Country teams finished off their seasons strong this weekend, as they traveled to New London Connecticut for the All-New England Division III Championships. The weather was less than perfect, as each runner had to contend with wind and low temperatures. Nevertheless, both squads were able to place at the top of the pack and had standout individual performances as well. The Men came in 9th place out of a field of 47 teams. This is a good showing for the Judges, a reflection on an entire season of training. The Women were also able to place high, ending up in 18th place.

Four of the runners for the Mens side were able to complete the 8 kilometer course in under 26 minutes. The firs Brandeis runner to cross the line was Mekonen Gendebo 11. He finished the race in 25 minutes and 20 seconds, far ahead of his teammates and setting a new personal record. This was good enough to earn him 22nd place for the Judges. The next Brandeis runner to finish was Tim Condon 08 who had to take a good portion of the season off due to injuries. He was the second Judge to score, finishing in 25:45, earning 44th for Brandeis. At Condons back was teammate Matt Jennings 11 who crossed the line in 25 minutes and 49 seconds, earning 50th place. The last two Brandeis runners to score were Mike Stone 09 and Paul Norton 11. They were able to earn 64th and 81st respectively.

The Womens team was paced this weekend by sophomore Ally Connolly, who was able to finish with a time of 23 minutes and 38 seconds. This was the first time she ran under 24 minutes at this distance, and was able to earn her 92nd place. Following Connolly were first-year teammates Marie Lemay and Hannah Lindholm. They were able to earn 105th and 117th respectively. Next to finish was co-captain Katy Agule 09, who crossed the line at 24 minutes and 17 seconds, enough to earn her 126th place. The last Brandeis runner to score was Emily Terrin 08. She finished in 24 minutes and 30 seconds, rounding of the scorers with a place of 136th.

Members of the Mens squad were excited about their performance, and are looking forward to future competitions.

I think that everyone ran really well, commented Zachary Schwartz 11. Theres just a lot of strong teams in New England this year. I think that next year, everyone is going to develop and we will definitely qualify for nationals.

Some of the team members are also looking forward to the upcoming indoor track season that begins in just a few weeks.

I think that we are a more track-oriented team, explained Paul Norton 11. We are really going to be good at the track events this season.

Runners on the womens side were also happy with the recent competition, as well.

Even though it was pretty cold and windy at our regional meet Saturday, most of the girls ran really well, said Agule, who is also looking forward to next year and the teams prospects in future seasons. I'm so happy that we had a solid season. Next year, we should be a more experienced team, which should help us in the championship meets. We have a great team that will only improve with time.

This was the last competition for the Judges this season, but nearly all of these runners will be competing on the Indoor Track and Field teams starting in December. The recent meet was a good way to end the year and numerous team members look to the future for upcoming seasons.