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SLU men's cross-country team captures Cardinal Classic

Posted 9/3/11

PLATTSBURGH -- The St. Lawrence University men's cross country team, ranked third in the national pre-season poll, won the 2011 "Cardinal Classic" on Saturday afternoon. The Saints finished with 28 …

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SLU men's cross-country team captures Cardinal Classic

Posted

PLATTSBURGH -- The St. Lawrence University men's cross country team, ranked third in the national pre-season poll, won the 2011 "Cardinal Classic" on Saturday afternoon.

The Saints finished with 28 total team points, 12 ahead of the hosting Cardinals of Plattsburgh State.

"The guys followed our race plan very well and at the end of the day, we came out with our first individual and team win of the year," said St. Lawrence head coach John Newman. "I was especially impressed with the poise that our first-year runners demonstrated throughout the race and the assertiveness of John (Johnston) to take the lead shortly after the mile mark."

Senior John Johnston, the reigning Liberty League Runner of the Year, won the event with a time of 15:37. It was Johnston's second collegiate victory, which includes the 2010 conference title.

First-year student Scott Smolensky had an impressive debut with the Scarlet and Brown, as he finished in fifth place overall in 15:53, followed consecutively by junior Sam Rakoc and senior Seth Jackson in sixth and seventh place, respectively.

Sophomore Zach Nelson closed out St. Lawrence's team scoring with a career-best ninth place finish in 16:11, ensuring the Saints' victory over Plattsburgh State.

"Going into the race, we expected a strong challenge from regionally-ranked No. 6 Plattsburgh State on their home course, and they didn't disappoint," added Coach Newman. "While we are currently gearing up for our first 8k race in two weeks, we were able to get some of our racing juices flowing at today's 5000m distance."

First-year students Dan Driscoll (10th) and Aaron Tompkins (11th) just missed out on the scoring for the Saints, while senior Jack Knych was 17th overall for his best collegiate finish.

Also representing St. Lawrence in the "Cardinal Classic" on Saturday were Spencer Fausel (19th), Jon Eng (20th), Trevor Bibb (24th), Corey Hahnl (25th), Tim Liponis (32nd), Andrew Sargrad (39th), Kevin Machia (43rd), Tyler Baldino (46th), Tom Metzger (47th), Mark Perlman (51st), Ethan Self (57th) and Tyler Harris (59th).

Several members of the men's cross country team will compete in the North Country Five meet scheduled for Wednesday, September 7. The team will then head to Saratoga Springs, NY for the annual Saratoga Invitational on September 17.