The Spartan Cross Country Program raced at the NCAA East Regional at Franklin Park in Boston, MA on Sunday. The women's team, paced by Keeley Bateman, finished in 11th place, which is the best finish to date at the race. Senior Michael Galonski led the men's squad with a 15th place finish overall.
Bateman, a senior, finished in 29th place overall in a time of 23:49. She finished her season as the top finisher in every race this season. Bateman has had a stellar career as a Lady Spartan racking up many honors including two team championships, 2010 Rookie of the Year, four All-Conference Awards, three All-Academic Awards and an All-Region award. "Keeley will be very hard to replace. She has brought so much to our program. She has improved every year and is very deserving of her success," commented 6th year Head Coach Nicole Ballou. Sophomore Meagan Jaskot, the Lady Spartans second finisher ran a strong race crossing the line in 24:23, just two seconds shy of her 6K PR. Redshirt Freshmen Meaghan Ventarola moved into the third spot in 24:49, a 6K personal best by more than one minute. Sophomores Gabby Sloezen and Cecelia Pfleging rounded out the scorers in 25:55 and 25:44. Classmate Rebecca Fortoul came through the finish at 26:06 followed by freshmen Jumana Khatib in 27:04. "Although Keeley is graduating, we are very excited that everyone else from the 2013 squad will be returning next season. Our team is still very young and we have a lot of talent and the right attitude. We are looking forward to watching them grow and know that they will continue to move this program in the right direction."
On the men's side, Galonski capped of an excellent season with his best Regional finish. He ran an extremely competitive race finishing in 32:28. He was named an All-Region runner for his performance. "Mike is the first male All-Region runner that we have had at STAC. He has set every standard in our program. His discipline and dedication is what has made him so successful and he will continue to do great things in the running world," said Ballou. Junior Joseph Chegwidden, the second Spartan finisher in every race this season finished in 33:58. Senior Michael Kraus and freshmen Stephen McNiff worked together throughout the race, both finishing the race very strong in 35:45 and 35:49. Freshmen Ryan Gasser crossed the line in 36:22 followed by senior Jon Laszlo in 38:49. Freshmen Chris Panepinto rounded out the Spartan competitors on 39:12. "With five seniors graduating this season, we have big shoes to fill. We are very happy with the progress of our younger guys and will be looking for them to take on leadership roles next season. They have gained great experience this year and have had a great example set for them by their upperclassman."
The Spartans are now beginning to prepare for the Indoor Track Season and will be back in action in early December.