Freshman Nick Welch Leads Jumbos at NESCACs

(10/28/2006) See more Photos     Full Results

At Harkness Memorial State Park, you can either "enjoy the panoramic views of Long Island Sound from Eolia, the elegant summer mansion of the Harkness family set on over 230 seaside acres of sweeping lawns, with stately trees and spectacular gardens," or you can race five miles in 60mph winds, driving rain, and ankle deep mud. Those in attendance of the 2006 NESCAC Championships chose the latter. Tufts University entered this year's conference championships as the three-time defending champs. They left, however, with a disappointing 8th place finish.

The tightness of the race was represented by the mere 28 point separation between the 3rd place Lord Jeffs of Amherst and the 9th place Bobcats of Bates. Beyond the strong performance by Williams College, the 2006 NESCAC race proved to be one of the more competitive in recent years. The Ephs of Williams got off to a strong start, jumping off the line to a quick lead, and took the victory for the first time since 2000. The weather limited the rest of the field from overtaking Williams? strong start as the Ephs held on for a great showing at the 2006 NESCAC Championships.

Though the course conditions and weather proved to be an asset to Williams? fast start, it was an insurmountable obstacle to the Jumbos? sluggish beginning. Tufts failed to position themselves well off the line and could not readjust throughout the first mile. Once the race came through the first mile, very few competitors were able to advance their place to a noticeable degree. Freshman Nick Welch was one of the few NESCAC racers able to push through the muck and grime to move up 20 places in the final mile to finish 20th in 26:54. Following Welch were seniors Josh Kennedy (26:56) and Justin Chung (27:19), and junior Dave Sorensen (27:33). Freshman Ryan Lena also had a strong showing, his time of 28:06 a solid 38 seconds faster at the NESCAC championships than at the sunny Conn College Invitational earlier this fall. Finally, in only his 3rd race back from injury, Chad Uy broke into the top 5 for the first time all season with a time of 27:39.

Disappointed with their 8th place finish at the 2006 NESCAC Championships, the Jumbos left Watertown, CT, knowing that they had not yet put forth their best effort. Those racing at the ECAC Championships will have to wait only 7 days for redemption; those resting until the New England Championships in two weeks, however, will have ample time to reflect on Saturday's race and learn from their mistakes.

Next week the Jumbos venture to Williamstown, MA, for the ECAC Championships. Looking to improve upon their 9th place finish last year, the Bos will send a deeper, more experienced squad to the line this year. With the cross-country championship season underway, the 2006 races will be a stark difference from years past as Tufts University dons the underdog shroud in its quest for another national berth.


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