Elms College Blazer Classic

 Background of Chicopee State Park: Photo Credit: Jack Ruderman

The men’s/women’s cross-country team recently competed at the Elms College Blazer Classic on Saturday September 13th. For one sports team at Dean College they have worked really hard at this point in the season under a rebuilt roster full of new runners and full of races that are here to come. 

When at Chicopee State Park, the thrilling joy of excitement hits the spot when the track begins to unveil itself. As the runners rounded the corners through the beauty of nature, there were plenty of rolling hills, grass paths, and a dam that overlooked the Chicopee Reservoir. Despite the grueling sweaty efforts, there were plenty of good moments that have defined this program so far into the late summer skies.  

 Ryan Fowler running in bib 28. Photo Credit: Jack Ruderman

One of the runners who played a contributing role as they crossed the finish line at the Blazer Classic was pretty confident when they talked about the overall performance. “I’m the fastest man alive!” said Ryan Fowler. Before the event took place, he said “This is going to be a nothing burger.” Indeed, it sure was an exciting athletic show to witness on such a beautiful day out in Western Massachusetts. 

As the team was getting ready to leave for the bus, one of the coaches had something positive to say about how the program is doing at this point in time. When the head cross country coach Jackson Garner commented on the overall performance, he said that everyone is doing a great job of working together as a team. He also added on by saying that “the base is being established” when talking about the general race distance. There certainly is excitement in the air as the team has more to contribute down the long stretch. 

Isabella Nitschke running alongside Katherine Moody. Photo Credit: Jack Ruderman

For the women, Katherine Moody placed at 42:46, next Isabella Nitschke came in at 42:49, then Helen Sanford arrived at 42:58, and finally Charlotte Greico lasted at 1hr:07. The women unfortunately did not place in the competition. However, the men’s group placed 5th out of 6 teams who competed over the Albany College of Pharmacy. 

Once the racers crossed the finish line, Brandon Fitzsimmons came in as the top runner with 35:32, then Gary Burgess finished at 37:05, next with Eidan Toppa concluded with 3826, Ryan Fowler came in with a time of 39:24, and last but certainly not least Spencer Waite iced the race with 41:08. The next race for both teams will be taking place Saturday September 20th at the Travis J. Fuller Invitational in Buzzards Bay, MA beginning at 9:30am.