Tufts Cross Country 2005 Season Preview

(8/1/2005)

The TUXC team of 2004 had the most successful season in the program?s history. The Triple Crown (NESCAC, ECAC, and Regional Championships) was defended for a second consecutive year and the team placed 6th at Nationals, its highest finish ever. On top of this was the accomplishment of Josh Kennedy who finished 32nd at Nationals, earning All-American recognition.

However, despite all of this success, the Tufts Cross Country team of 2005 looks to make this upcoming fall a banner year. Key losses from the varsity seven include Nate Brigham, Brian McNamara, and Peter Bromka along with other key members including Dan Wolchonok, Aaron Kaye, and Mike Don. In the face of such departures, the TUXC team of 2005 has a core lineup of 6 members with experience at Nationals, lead by a strong senior class.

Those returning with championship experience include: Co-Captains Matthew Lacey and Matthew Fortin, seniors Kyle Doran and Neil Orfield, junior Josh Kennedy, and sophomore Chris Kantos.

The goals of the team remain the same as last year:
1. Repeat the Triple Crown for a third consecutive year
2. Earn a podium finish (Top 4) at nationals

Relying on another strong base building summer, the members of TUXC ?05 will see the first results of their training at the very casual alumni run hosted at the hilly Grafton farm course.

This year the team hopes to take another step forward with a trip to the Jim Drews Invitational. Here the team will be able to face some of the division?s leading teams including Haverford and Wisconsin LaCrosse, which will allow those in attendance to gain high end race experience.

Ethan Barron has been announced as interim head coach for the program with the retirement of long standing coach, Connie Putnam. The press release can be found at ase.tufts.edu/athletics.

On a more regional level, the main rival for the team remains the Ephs of Williams College, which will reload after the loss of some of their key seniors. The ECAC race, a true test of team depth, will also be determined by these same two teams as it has the past 2 years.