By Danielle Silvia
Staff Writer
As the fall season approaches, the College’s men’s and women’s cross country teams are ready to gear up for another great season.
Both cross country teams are led by coach Justin Lindsey, who is entering his fourth season as head coach and eighth season as a member of the program. Lindsey led the Lions to the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Championships berth during the 2015 season.
The cross country teams will begin with an invitational meet on Saturday, Sept. 3, titled the Blue/Gold Invitational. Following that meet will be the Rider Invitational on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
The men are hoping for their 23rd consecutive crown, while the women are aiming for their fourth. Given their impressive results last year, this should not be too much of a challenge.
During the last Regional Meet, the Lions were able to finish ninth for both teams in a total field of 41 men and 37 women — about 300 runners in total.
Junior Andrew Tedeschi qualified for NCAA Nationals and finished 12th in the race with a time of 25:43, while senior Jon Stouber finished 34th and earned regional honors crossing the finish at 26:14.
While Stouber graduated in May, Tedeschi, along with fellow seniors Brandon Mazzarella and Ed Bohi, are expected to lead the Lions again and fuel an energized season for all.
As for the women, Marissa Lerit, who finished 32nd at 22:58, recently graduated, so now the team looks up to see who will be leading the pack.
Senior women include Caroline Moore and Laura Straub.
This cross country season should be filled with plenty of surprises, successes and an overall love of the sport.
