The men's cross country team got some new experience under its belt this weekend, traveling to the Midwest to race in a meet other than Nationals for the first time in its history. Tufts ran a very strong race, finishing an impressive seventh out of 23 teams at the Jim Drews Invitational in Lacrosse, Wis. The experience definitely proved to be a valuable one, as it matched the Jumbos up against several Div. III rivals that they would otherwise only see at Nationals.
While the opportunity to race Div. I and Div. II teams always provides valuable experience for the team, it was against the fellow Div. III teams that Tufts concentrated racing against. The Jumbos ran well and finished ahead of Wartburg (242) and Haverford (243), both of whom currently sit ahead of Tufts in the national rankings.
"I couldn't be more pleased with the result," coach Ethan Barron said. "We ran extremely well and I don't believe our strategy needs to be changed."
The Jumbos were unable to match the runners of Wisconsin-Lacrosse (115) and Nebraska-Wesleyan (172) who finished third and sixth, respectively. The differences between Tufts and these two Div. III powerhouses has not discouraged the Jumbos, however, and definitely has not brought a sense of fear into senior co-captain Matt Lacey.
"It's very difficult to match them," Lacey said. "We have plenty of room for improvement and by improving our weaker aspects we will have a good chance of doing well. The key to doing well against teams like that doesn't lie in your first or second runners but in your third, fourth, and fifth."
Lacey (24:56) once again was the star of the show for Tufts finishing 15th overall, the highest of any Div. III runner. He was followed closely by sophomore Josh Kennedy (19th, 25:01). Senior Matt Fortin was third on the team for Tufts, finishing 61st in 25:50. The pleasant surprise of the weekend was senior Kyle Doran's (25:57) impressive 70th-place finish. Doran has been battling injuries for most of the year and his teammates were pleased to see him run so well.
"No matter what his injury is, he is still going to come out and run strong and well," Lacey said.
Doran was followed by junior Justin Chung (78th, 26:02) and senior Neil Orfield (96th, 26:14). Sophomores Dave Sorensen (141st, 26:57) and Brendan McNeish (185th, 27:26) rounded out the Jumbos varsity.
Although the Jumbos ran well, there is definitely room for improvement and the distance between the front two runners and rest of the squad is becoming a cause for concern. Running against national competition that the Jumbos will see again in less than a month's time and focusing on strategies that will bring successful results are becoming important parts to Barron's daily routine.
"The pace we have is working. We just need to work on having the back five a bit tighter with the front two runners," Barron said.
Meanwhile, while the varsity runners made the long trip out to Wisconsin, the JV squad remained at home and took part in the weekly road races held at Fresh Pond in the Cambridge Reservoir. The race proved to be a good workout for the team and the most important outcome of the race was the return of Chris Kantos, who finished first in the eight kilometer race.
"He ran well," Barron said. "He wasn't running at full effort and even though the weather was horrible, he really showed that he is back and ready to go to work."
The Jumbos now have the pleasure of enjoying an off week in terms of competitive races. While Barron will make sure his squad works hard in its two weekly workouts, the main goal will be to get rested and refueled for the NESCAC Championships on Oct. 29 at Wesleyan.
