On Saturday, Sept. 15, the Geneseo cross country teams traveled to New York University to compete in the NYU Invitational. Both teams turned in strong performances, as the women's team took first place and the men took second. The event was held at Van Cortland Park in the Bronx. Many runners for both squads ran well, attributing to the teams' success.
The women's team took first place out of a field of 24 other schools, which included eight nationally ranked opponents. The team scored 39 points, trumping Dickinson's second-place score of 80. Leading the charge for the Knights was senior Meghan Nolan, who placed second with a time of 21:42 and was followed soon thereafter by Geneseo junior Liz Montgomery, who placed third with a time of 21:54. Two other Geneseo runners made the top ten: senior Emily Hurley placed seventh with a time of 22:34 and junior Laura Iafrati placed 10th with a time of 22:37. Sophomore Erin Marks rounded out the scoring five for Geneseo by placing 17th with a time of 23:12.
The men's cross country team had a successful day in New York City as well, placing second with a score of 53 points; they were narrowly edged out by champion St. Lawrence's score of 50. In the meet, Geneseo ran against seven nationally ranked Division III opponents. The team had three runners finish in the top ten, led by sophomore Jesse Berube, who placed sixth with a time of 25:44. He was followed across the finish line by junior Will Haskell in seventh with a time of 25:48. Senior Ryan Mulcahy was also in the top ten, finishing ninth with a time of 25:49. Sophomore Lee Gabler and freshman Ryan O'Connor were also part of the scoring five, placing 11th and 20th, with times of 25:56 and 26:08, respectively.
Men's coach Mike Woods was very pleased with the performances by both teams, and optimistic about the teams' future. "That was the best competition we've faced all year," he said. "To go down and get a first for the women, and a close second for the men is a great thing. We are where we want to be at for this time of the year." Woods was also particularly optimistic about the women's prospects for the postseason. "This team," he said, "has the talent to compete for an NCAA Championship."
Both squads are off until Saturday, Sept. 29, when they host the Geneseo Invitational. The meet will be held at 12 p.m. at Letchworth State Park.