Hard work makes cross country tight team

Stacey Mack Guest Writer

What characteristics define a team? Looking at Vassar’s cross country teams, the answer is clear: discipline, passion and determination.

Held in high regard by other Brewers for their fortitude and perserverance, the men’s and women’s cross country teams embrace the challenges before them. Having won their season opening meets at Vassar’s Invitational, the teams appear capable of great things this season.

The loss of two key members to graduation was off set by the addition of five freshmen recruits for the men’s team. The women’s team also welcomed five recruits, as well as some walk-on team members. Seniors Sam Dratch, Samir Halilovic, and Patrick Murray lead the men while Diana Best ’07, Nilly Buchsbaum ’06, Liz Hixon ’06 guide the women.
Head coach James McCowan ’99, was a NCAA Regional Champion in 1997. Associate head coach Ron Stonitsch, formerly the head coach of cross country, was an eight-time University and College Division All-American. Both bring plenty of expertise and energy to the team. With such experienced coaches and committed runners, it’s no wonder the athletes got off to a great start.

The Brewers’ impressive record so far goes hand in hand with the many hours dedicated to running and training. On average, the team trains 12 to 15 hours a week. On top of that, the members clock in a good amount at the gym.

Sunday practices concentrate on distance running. The women’s team typically runs about nine miles while the men run roughly 13 miles. Monday and Wednesday sessions consist of threshold workouts and weight room training. Tuesday and Thursday are known as the teams ‘recovery’ days, which begin with 7 a.m. strength-training, followed by a run in the afternoon. Pool workouts, such as aqua-jogging, are also on Thursday’s agenda. Friday is “shakeout day,” which typically consists of an easy jog and drills, such as “high knees” and “strides.” Competitions generally occur on Saturdays.

Amy Dowley ’08 commented that “even though the workouts are hard, you’re motivated to continue, because you’re running through beautiful apple orchids around the lake, or through the farm and the Goldenrods.”

In addition to time spent working out together, friendships continue outside of the practice schedule. The Brewers hold pasta parties on Friday nights before races and often enjoy meals together at ACDC. Other events building team camaraderie include tea parties and shoe shopping trips.

The bonding experiences and hard workouts result in notable team placements at competitions. The women finished fourth out of 22 teams at the NYU Invitational, held Sept. 17. With 138 points, the Brewers were ecstatic to defeat longtime rival NYU (163), who placed sixth.

“Despite the rough conditions of the course, many team members performed personal bests—it rocked!” said Anna LeMahieu ’09. On the men’s side, the Brewers finished sixth out 24 teams, with 196 points. Without their former NCAA Regional All-Americans, the men still matched their finish from last year. On Saturday, Oct. 1, the cross country teams will participate in the Liberty League Championships at Hamilton College.