The 2012 cross country season came to an end at the NCAA DII East Regional Race in Nashua, NH. The men's squad posted a school best 11th place finish paced by Michael Galonski. The Lady Spartans finished in 15th place.
Junior Galonski continued his stellar season with a 29th place finish, covering the 10K course in 31:39. He was the second East Coast Conference finisher to cross the line. Sophomore Joe Chegwidden was next in 32:38 with freshman Joseph Capolino right on his heels in 32:43. Classmate Kris Trautz ran a 33:58 while junior Michael Kraus was the final scorer for the Spartans at 34:54. Senior Garvenchy Nicolas closed out his collegiate cross country career finishing in 35:08. Freshman Alex Castellanos was the final Spartan to complete the course, crossing the like at 35:43. The Spartans set the mark for all ECC teams with their 11th place finish. Following a 5th place finish at the conference championship two weeks ago, they came to the line with something to prove and made the most of the opportunity. Twenty-seven teams from the NE-10, CACC and ECC competed in the men's race.
The women's squad was lead by junior Keeley Bateman. Bateman finished in 23:33 which was good for 48th place. Freshman Gabriela Sloezen ran a strong race and was the second Lady Spartan finisher for the first time this season. She clocked in at 23:58. Freshmen Meagan Jaskot (24:28) and Rebecca Fortoul (24:38) were the next two finishers. Junior Alison Borriello rounded out the STAC scorers in 25:09 and sophomore Katelyn Garvey came in at 26:07. Twenty-eight teams competed in the women's race.
The 2012 cross country season comes to a close after muchy team and individual success. The season is highlighted by the women's ECC Conference Championship and the men's 11th place regional finish. Batman set the school 5K record at the NJIT Highlander Invitational with a time of 18:45. On the same day, Galonski set a new 8K school record of 25:31. Almost every member of both squads set new personal records during the season. With only three seniors leaving the program, the future looks bright for Spartan cross country.