Brendan Ellis

Nov. 15, 2008

The Emmanuel College Men's and Women's Cross Country Teams wrapped up the 2008 season on Saturday afternoon at the NCAA Division III New England Regional Championship. The teams traveled to Williams College in Williamstown, Mass. for the NCAA meet. The New England Region represents the largest and one of the toughest nationwide for cross country teams. Fifty Four programs competed in both the men's and women's races.

The men's race went off first under cloudy skies with light rain falling. The Mount Greylock High School course was very challenging, but the Saints held up well. Freshman Wesley Cowles (Hebron, Conn.) was the first Emmanuel athlete to cross the finish line. He was followed by classmate Maurizio Turco (Revere, Mass.). Freshman Stephen Armstrong (Revere, Mass.) did not compete at 100%, but was able to stay close to his freshmen teammates. Ben Cleveland (Auburn, Maine) capped off his sophomore year with a performance that was very close to what he had run on a much flatter course. Rookie senior Brendan Ellis (Chelmsford, Mass.) ended his collegiate career on a positive note finishing in the 5th spot for the Saints. Junior Tim Flaherty (Mattapoisett, Mass.) was the 6th and final finisher for the men's team. The team placed 37th overall and finished as the 4th GNAC team.

By the time the women's race started, the rain and wind had picked up considerably. The course became extremely muddy, which made it even tougher to run fast. Senior Cathryn Lariviere (Windham, N.H.) culminated her Emmanuel Cross Country career with an impressive performance. She finished in 21st place overall out of a field of 330, earning NCAA All-Regional honors. Lariviere was the 8th individual finisher not on a team that qualified for the national championship. The top 7 individuals make it to the national championship. Her top 25 finish may have been the best ever by a GNAC individual student-athlete.

Senior Christine Gaspar (Attleboro, Mass.) completed her successful cross country career as the 2nd finisher for the Saints. Freshman Katelynn Defrain (Medfield, Mass.) moved up to the 3rd spot, after freshman Brittany Sorice (Dover, N.H.) was forced to drop out of the race with health issues. Freshman Patricia Montesquieu (Lawrence, Mass.) was the 4th Saint to cross the line with sophomores Victoria Cole (Carver, Mass.) and Maureen Kellett (Westborough, Mass.) finishing 5th and 6th, respectively. The Emmanuel women finished 31st out of 49 teams. The Saints placed second among the GNAC teams competing in the meet.

For complete results go to: http://www.finishright.com/XC/08/NEWENGLANDDIV3XC08.htm