Hawks Compete at NCAA Atlantic Region Cross Country Championship

TITUSVILLE, NJ – — The SUNY New Paltz men’s and women’s cross country teams wrapped up the 2002 season at the NCAA Division III Atlantic Regional Championship this morning at Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, New Jersey.

The men’s squad finished 15th among 33 squads and completed the meet with 401 points. The Hawks were led by senior Phil Goodwin (Rochester, NY) who finished 44th with a time of 27:29. Junior John Zarella (Mahopac, NY) was the number two finisher for New Paltz and 61st overall with a time of 27:48. Junior Dan Holton (Rhinebeck, NY) was 63rd with a time of 27:51.

Nick Ricco of The College of New Jersey won the race with a time of 25:58. His performance helped lead the Lions to the meet championship. The College of New Jersey finished the meet with 63 points. St. Lawrence was second with 79 points followed by Ithaca who was third with 101. The men’s race was run on a five mile-course.

In the women’s meet, SUNY New Paltz was 19th among 29 schools. The Hawks finished with 553 points and were led by junior Rebecca Demeri (Wantagh, NY) who was 53rd and completed the 3.8-mile course in 25:16. Freshman Janet Walsh (Baldwinsville, NY) was second for New Paltz and 72nd overall with a mark of 25:58. Freshman Kate Choromanski (Shelton, CT) finished 97th with a time of 26:29.

Melissa White of Geneseo finished first with a time of 22:34. White was one of three Lady Knights to finish among the top nine leading Geneseo to the meet championship with 62 points. Ithaca was second with 87 points followed by The College of New Jersey who was third with 105.