Setting the Scene
The URI cross country team made a fine showing at the CCSU Ted Owen Invitational in New Britain, CT. The team finished fifth in a field of ten teams. A strong tight pack of four Rams went through the first 2.5 miles together before they went into the steep hill loop for the second time. While the pack splintered some, the group was able to stay within 0.35 seconds at the finish. Only seven places separated the top four URI runners. Sophomore Zachary Seites-Rundlett (North Kingstown, R.I.) led the Rams in 27th place with a time of 27:17.30. Senior Samuel Weintraub (Moorsetown, N.J.) improved more than 1:00 from last year, in 27:29.07. Senior, Nikos Christ (Brooksville, Maine), who had led the Rhody pack through the early part of the race, finished at 27:31:16. Senior Captain, Corey Coogan (North Providence, R.I.) and freshman Thomas Fownes (Cumberland, R.I.) rounded out the Rhode Island scorers with times of 27:37.89 and 27:52.70 respectively. A total of 94 runners competed in the meet.
Coach Copeland's Thoughts
"I was very excited about the way we ran the race. We stuck together, helped each other and showed we could run as a pack. I believe this was the best team effort we have seen in 10-15 years. If the team stays healthy and continues to improve as they have for the first weeks of the season, I think we can have an impact at the championship races later in the season. I am very excited."
Rhode Island's Individual Results
- 27th Zachary Seites-Rundlett, 27:17.30
- 30th Samuel Weintraub, 27:29.07
- 31st Nikos Christ, 27:31.16
- 35th Corey Coogan, 27:37.89
- 42nd Thomas Fownes, 27:52.70
- 57th Daniel Branco, 28:18.00
- 61st John Paquet, 28:26.21
Team Results
1. Northeastern
2. UConn
3. Hartford
4. Wagner
5. Rhode Island
6. CCSU
7. Marist
8. Franklin Pierce
9. SCSU
10. Fairleigh Dickinson
What's Next
The Rams return to action Sunday Oct. 7 at the New England Championship held at Stanley Park in Westfield, Mass. The start time is set for noon.
