Results

BRONX – The Niagara cross country teams wrapped up the 2013 season with the NCAA Regionals this afternoon at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx.

"We went into Regionals with the focus on giving the younger athletes one more big meet experience, which will pay forward in upcoming seasons; as well as to give the seniors a chance to chase a few individual time goals to finish their collegiate careers on," head coach Chritstine Kloiber said.  "For the most part, I think we successfully accomplished both."

The men's team was again paced by Sam Reedy  who ran the race in 33:36.8 to beat his personal best in a 10k by 90 seconds.  The senior was nine seconds ahead of freshman Tyler Van Leeuwen who turned in a 33:45.7.  Two freshmen finished within three seconds of each other as Freddie Leiderbach and Jordan Bender finished with a 35:10.4 and a 35:13.2, respectively.  Senior Ryan Lamb turned in a 36:28.9 to round out the team scoring.
 
As a squad, the men's team finished in 36^th place to finish ahead of Little Three rival St. Bonaventure's  1179.  Syracuse won the event with a team score of 57.

"Sam's new 10K personal record was a great way to top off his career," Kloiber said.  "Running mid-33 was a over a 90s improvement and it came from him being aggressive early and dialing into the rhythm he needed."

"As a coach, knowing how hard the athletes have worked over the years, you always want your seniors to finish with a memorable race and hope they execute to their ability," she continued.  "We had a couple instances of that, all of them well earned." 
 
Kim Vona, running in her final race for the Purple and White, again paced the team to finish the clean sweep and lead the team in every race she appeared in over the last four years.  She ran a 23:06.0 on Friday afternoon.  Stephanie Schmidt had a notable performance as the number two runner on the women's team, setting a new personal best with a 23:48.8.  Freshman Maggie Lawler rounded out a strong freshman year with a 24:11.4, which was followed by fellow freshman Caroline Hampton's 24:29.6.  Natalie Regan ran a 25:28.2 to wrap up the team scoring.
 
"Steph Schmidt had the best performance of her cross country career; her time of 23:48 was a personal record by 14-seconds," said Kloiber.  "Her training had reflected a sub-24minute race, and it was satisfying for her to finally realize that potential.  She raced hard,  kept the pressure on throughout, and ended with a  result she could be really proud of."

"Kim led the squad again today," Kloiber continued.  "Overall, her senior season was one that all runners wish they could finish on. We mapped out her goals at the beginning of the year and she reached every one. From the 21-minute race at Lehigh, where she placed  7th and set the school 6k record, to the top 10-medal finish at MAACs."

The women's team also landed in 36^th place to beat Central Connecticut in 37th.  Providence won the race with a team score of 44.

"Even with the great races, the meet was bittersweet as we had to say farewell to 5 seniors who are not only amazing athletes but team members," Kloiber said.  "Eddie, Sam, Ryan, Steph, and Kim have all had a strong presence in terms of leadership, camaraderie, and commitment. They've helped build the team into what it is and so it's hard to imagine next season without them." 
 
This race concludes the 2013 Cross Country season for both Purple Eagles squads.  They will be back on the course in the Fall of 2014.