Team Competes at NCAAs, Faller an All American

(11/17/2007) Full Results

Despite the team's subpar finish, the Jumbos still had a lot to be happy about this past Saturday at the NCAA National Championships at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Sophomore Jesse Faller was the star of the day. In his debut Nationals performance, Faller finished an astounding 18th place, securing a well deserved All- American award and showing the nation what he is capable of.

The day of nationals couldn't have been any more conducive for racing. As the runners woke up to a mild sprinkling of snow, the temperature was comfortable, hovering about 40 degrees through the morning. It really was perfect cross country weather. The Jumbos arrived at the course just before the start of the women's race, where they witnessed part of the remarkable All American performances by the three individuals Catherine Beck, Katy O'Brien, and Steph McNamara. The Tufts men stepped to the line in a great starting box positioned directly in the middle of the 40 - odd box setup. The Jumbos maintained composure when the nationally renowned crazies arrived on the scene to cheer them on.

The gun went off, and just like at regionals, the top four Jumbos, Faller, Sorensen, Kantos, and Welch all got great positions among the 280 runner field. Faller and Welch in particular got out especially strong, as 400 meters into the race, Faller was leading the field, with no runners even in his peripheral vision, with Welch right on his tail. The lead however would not last long, as the fiercely dense pack began to increase the pace. As with any nationals race, mayhem ensued throughout the first mile, as runners battled to gain positions that they wished to be in heading into the mid section of the race. The miles would pass quickly in this race, as the course was not too hilly, but could be described simply as a bit undulating. Faller held strong throughout the first few miles, fighting tough not to give up any spots to his competitors. Faller held his position, and at the end sprinted up the final hlil to put even more ground on his closest competitors. Fallers 18th place earned him the laudable title of All-American. Following behind Faller throughout the race was senior Dave Sorensen. Sorensen, while not having his best performance of the year, ran hard throughout the race, and threw down a vicious kick to secure a few extra points for the Jumbos. The Jumbos had were counting on a strong finish for the top three athletes, but last weeks gap of 10 seconds from 1 to 3 was extended to over a minute in this race. Finishing behind Sorensen was senior Chris Kantos, who lost Sorensen early in the race and was never able to regain the lost positions. Only a second behind Kantos was sophomore Nick Welch, who ended with a stong kick to finish 4th for the Jumbos. Rounding out the scoring was Freshman Greg Pallotta, who despite being a freshman, showed up to run strong and score points for the Jumbos at the national championship. Junior David Tilton gained his national experience with finishing 6th on the Jumbo squad, who like the rest of the Tufts men, albeit Kantos, were running their debut races on the national scene. Rounding out the top seven was freshman Jerzy Eisenberg-Guyot, who like the others gained a lot from this first nationals experience.

As unhappy as the Jumbos were with the disappointing place as a team, the overall success of the season had not been diminished. Looking around after the finish, any of the Jumbo's racing could do anything but hold back a grin. Seeing the passion, dedication, and ecstasy on the face of any the die-hard fans who had travelled 1,400 miles to be there really put the day in perspective. The crazies in attendance at this weekend's race showed unrivaled spirit and support to any other team in the nation. As stated before, with the crazies at the race, it was hard to hold back a grin and look down on the day. The Tufts program has come along way in the past, and the quality of practice, racing, cheering, and simple dedication to the team for the year could not be jeopardized because of a less than perfect race. Faller's admirable All-American performance alone made it a proud day for the Jumbos. The team also accomplished its main goal of qualifying for the NCAAs, when so much doubt had been placed upon them by the rest of the region and even nation. The Tufts team looks to the rest of this year, and the following years, to move forward and to learn from this weekend.

Thanks again to everyone who supported the team this year, whether it be parents, sisters, friends, teammates, or alumnae. Words can not explain how far dedication and support go in providing the team with confidence. This year's support was amazing in that respect, and this support surely does not go unnoticed by the men competing for the Jumbos. Thank you all again, and we look forward to many great seasons to come.

GO JUMBOS!


Full Results