This weekend the NESCAC Cross-Country Championships return to Wesleyan for the first time in thirteen years. Both teams look to finish well on their home course at the Long Lane Farm in the biggest meet ever contested there.
On the women’s side, the Cardinals are currently ranked seventh in the conference while the men hold down third place, behind Tufts and Williams. Last week, the men lost to Williams in a close race at the Little Threes and are out for revenge.
“I ran into Elmer Swanson [former cross-country coach] earlier today,” said co-captain and grad student Wes Fuhrman at Monday’s practice. “He was also pretty bummed about the loss, but he told me that the legendary golfer Walter Hagen once said ‘the only important shot is your next shot’ so lets put the past behind us and focus on this weekend.”
Due to the torrential rain in October, the course had to be changed from last year’s lay out at Little Threes, cutting out the narrow wooded section which is full of mud and referred to by Coach John Crooke as “that damn quagmire.” The new course contains an extra upper field loop making it even more spectator friendly.
“It’s definitely tough losing that part of the course,” said Lucia Pier ’08. “It was my favorite part, and we knew exactly where to surge and use it to our advantage.”
But the cross-country teams are still ready to step up to the challenge this weekend. The open race goes off at twelve, while the varsity women are at one, followed by the men at two. Fan support would be greatly appreciated.
“Right now we’re ranked third on paper,” said Ed Kenney ’07. “But this is NESCACs baby! Are you pumped? Are you ready? It’s going to be crazy!”
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