Race Results

JERSEY CITY, NJ (September 25, 2009) -- After a 13 day layoff, the Vassar men's cross country team returned to action at the Stevens XC Invitational. The race provided a 4K and 8K option, and while the course measurements weren't exact, the men's performance showed their strength and depth. The men placed three runners in the top five of the 8K, including race winner Jon Erickson, and eight in the top 12. As a team, the Brewers took the overall 8K title. Vassar also had the 6th place finisher in the 4K race, and 4th overall as a team. 

Although the field went out quickly, Vassar's top runners stayed under control, and let the race come to them on the long opening stretch. Within two miles of the opening gun, Vassar was in control, with Erickson setting the tone. Close behind were freshmen Sam Wagner and Roni Teich, who stuck together for the final three miles, finishing 3rd and 4th, respectively. 

Also running strong for the Brewers were sophomores Zach Williams and Justin Rupert, who ran steady efforts, placing 6th and 9th, respectively. The tandem of sophomore Evan Russek and senior Dan Liebowitz worked together for the duration of the race, starting slowly and passing people steadily for the first four miles. Rounding out Vassar's top 12 was senior Danny McBee. 

Others completing the 8K for the Brewers were sophomore Matt Blair in 21st, freshman Chris Lloyd in 26th, freshman Daniel Basch in 31st, senior Ali Jamil in 36st, and sophomore David Reuss in 43rd. Lloyd and Basch's performances were significant improvements from their previous efforts, and a solid first effort in the 8K distance. 

In the 4K, Vassar had three participants, including senior Ges Adams, who finished 6th overall. Also completing the 4K were sophomore Zack Zeilman in 18th and freshman Rafael Ricaurte in 21st. Both Zeilman and Ricaurte also made big gains in terms of performances from previous weeks. 

“I'm really happy with how controlled the guys went out,” said head coach James McCowan. “They kept the objective in mind, negative splitting and gaining experience. The men got stronger as the race went on, and stayed close together. We know that the course was about 120 meters short, but this is a good indicator that we didn't lose a lot of strength. We'll be ready to run hard in October.” 

The Vassar men's cross-country team will next be in action at the Liberty League Championships on October 9th, an 8K race at Saint Lawrence University.