NU cross-country team aims for fourth GNAC championship

By Adam O'Leary
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

With strong season goals, the Norwich men's cross-country team has returned to the trails this fall to compete for their fourth straight Greater Northeast Athletic Conference championship.

"Our summer workouts are very challenging," said Matt Dempsey, 22, a senior communications major from Salem, Mass. "I run at least three miles per day, and I also do cycling to stay in shape."

Many of the runners on the squad take part in these activities to ensure strong times for their return in the fall. "To keep my [running] time where I want it I need to workout daily," said Chris Christensen

With strenuous off-season workouts, the team is able to compete at a strong level in their conference.

"We are hoping to win our fourth conference championship this year," said Christopher Walczak, coach of the men's cross-country team.

"Our seniors are motivated, and our freshman are blossoming into competitive college runners." The cross-country team will be competing against 15 schools in their six season matches.

The Greater Northeast Athletic Conference have many competitive schools, and the Norwich runners are confident that they will be successful this season.

"All of the schools in our conference have great runners," Dempsey said. "It is our job to work together to beat them on the course."

One aspect of cross-country that is essential for a good season is staying healthy. Many runners confront injuries that usually affect their bodies from the knee down.

"Shin splints and different flexor issues plague cross-country runners often throughout the season," Christensen said. "If someone gets injured, it could hurt the team in the long-run."

On the Norwich men's cross-country team there is no shortage of leadership.

"Seniors are here to help the freshmen learn more about running in college," Dempsey said. "It is important to work together in this sport to be successful."

"We have some great seniors that work with our freshmen," said Walczak. "This year we have strength in our underclass, and this will aid in our success."

The Cadets have had four meets since the beginning of the school year. Their first one was on September 7 at St. Michael's College, where they placed fifth out of nine teams. The second was on September 14 at Middlebury College, where they placed fourth out of six teams. The third meet was on September 21 at Lyndon state, where they placed third out of three teams. On Sept. 28, the Cadets traveled to University of Mass. Boston, where they placed 14th out of 17 teams.

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