River Hawks Primed for NCAA Northeast Regional

THE BRONX – After sweeping the America East Championships just two weeks ago, the UMass Lowell Men's and Women's Cross Country teams have their eyes set on the NCAA Northeast Regionals on November 11 at Van Cortlandt Park in The Bronx. Both the men's and women's teams will compete along with 42 other top teams in the region.

Head Coach Gary Gardner was extremely pleased with the performances at the America East Championships and looks to continue the hot streak this Friday, especially if the women can turn in a complete team effort like they did in Baltimore.

"The women's team performed at a high level at conference," said Gardner. "We are looking to continue that this Friday in New York. It was a complete team performance and if we can replicate that, we will be very pleased and that should put us in the top 10."

Senior Kenzie Doyle (Swansea, Mass.) led the way for the women at the America East Championship, finishing as the individual champion with a conference-record time. Doyle seems to be set up for further success on Friday.

"Kenzie definitely has a chance to be in the top five overall," commented Gardner. "If she can achieve that, it will set up the rest of the team for a successful race."

Each runner competes individually, but the River Hawks also put an emphasis on running for their teammates and putting together the best team score possible. Being successful as a team builds confidence for the individual runners, as well.

"Running well at conference as a team made me extremely confident that we can place well in the region," said Doyle. "Gary does a great job at having us peak at the right time, so I am looking forward to seeing everyone race well tomorrow. The last two races I have had, have made me confident that I can make the NCAA National Championship."

Her teammate, graduate student Izzy Giesing (Bradford, Vt.), finished fourth in the conference championship race and is looking to empty the tank on the course on Friday.
"I feel great coming off of conference," exclaimed Giesing. "I definitely had more to give, so I am ready to put myself out there, take some risks and give it my all. I think it's important to stay relaxed because the work is done and I am confident that the training will get us the results we are looking for."

The men's team is also looking for a complete team effort after a dominant conference victory. Senior John Riley (Quincy, Mass.) and graduate student Drew Everett (Amesbury, Mass.) finished in first and second place, respectively, far ahead of the rest of the competition. Coach Gardner is confident in those two, as well as the depth of the team to round out the scoring.

"John and Drew were outstanding at conference," said Gardner. "If they can repeat that performance, that should land them somewhere in the top 10-15 finishers at the NCAA Regional, which would be a great start for our team scoring. Daniel Cosgrove (Boxford, Mass.), Joe Walsh (Auburn, Mass.), Landen Vaillancourt (New Ipswich, N.H.), Jeff Allen (Litchfield, N.H.) and Henry Farrington (Essex Junction, Vt.) all have a chance to place in the top 50-60. If we can achieve that, it will set us up to do really well as a team."

The confidence that the coaches have in the runners is contagious. The River Hawks have learned to work with each other as a team and not approach a race with an individual mindset.

"I've been fortunate enough to have Drew (Everett) not only as a teammate, but as a friend and roommate for the past five years," said Walsh. "He and I talk shop everyday, whether it's after a workout or a morning shakeout, it's been great mental prep for me working with him and my countless other teammates over the years. I think we are all extremely confident and ready for tomorrow's race, trusting in one another and in Coach Gardner and Vazquez's training. I believe we are poised to do well."

The forecast calls for rain at race time on Friday, but that does not hinder the mentality of these runners. In fact, it actually makes them more optimistic.

"I think if it rains and the weather is kind of tough, then that would only benefit the team," said Riley. "We're a bunch of tough guys that can grind through anything. A lot of other teams fold under tough conditions. Our guys run well in any conditions, so I am not worried about the weather at all."

Rain or shine, the River Hawks are primed for a strong performance at the NCAA Regionals and will look to improve upon last year's sixth place finish.

"The team's goal this year has always been to run as hard as possible and beat as many teams as possible," said Walsh. "So going into this race, I don't see how anything changes."

River Hawks Primed for NCAA Northeast Regional

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Players Mentioned

Daniel Cosgrove

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