Men’s Cross Country Claim Bronze at MAC Championships

Saturday, November 2

DeKalb, IL

11:00 am

MAC Championships

Men’s Cross Country Claim Bronze at MAC Championships

11/2/2019 4:32:00 PM | Cross Country

DEKALB, ILL. – The University at Buffalo cross country teams traveled to DeKalb, Ill. where they raced in the Mid-American Conference Cross Country Championships. In the first race of the day, the men's squad claimed third place. In the women's 6k, the UB women's team placed a respectable ninth place out of 12.

The men's squad finished in third place with 108 points. Their third place finish ties the UB men's best finish at the MAC Championships since 2016. This is the third time they have finished in the top-three with their first time coming in the 2011 season. The team was highlighted by Caleb Covell who finished the 8k race in 25:26.6 which was good for second place overall. Finishing in 11^th place in a time of 25:51.5 was William Hilbert. In a herd of Bulls that crossed the line, Christopher Nowak finished in 25^th place (26:21.4) with Thomas Flannery (32^nd place – 26:29.0) and Armani Merlino (38^th place – 26:36.9) hot on his tracks.

"The men competed well through tough conditions," stated Associate Head Coach Todd Witzleben. "Caleb Covell ran with the lead pack that eventually narrowed down and made a big move over the last mile to clinch the silver medal position. William Hilbert moved up to Second Team All MAC, and Chris Nowak had his best race as a Bull to help the team take third place. There is always the desire for more, but today was a great day for the program."

The women's team finished in ninth place with 224 points. Dana Lynch finished the championship race in 22:57.4, good for 33^rd place. Behind Lynch were two teammates, Meghan LaTuso (36^th place – 3:06.2) and Maxine Dupuis (38^th place – 23:06.5). Rounding out the top-five for the Bulls was Lily Meek (56^th place – 23:27.2) and Alexia Hecico (63^rd place – 23:40.9).

"The women got out well through the first mile which was an area of focus with our training," said Head Coach Vicki Mitchell. "Unfortunately, Alexia Hecico had a tough day getting spiked, but several women stepped up big to fill the gap. Freshman Dana Lynch ran aggressively from the gun, and helped pull Meghan LaTuso, for her best MAC race, and Maxine Dupuis through. Lily Meek stepped up to be our fourth and gain some confidence today. With four freshmen in the top-five, our team has grown throughout the season and will only get better."

The Bulls will have the week off as they will play host to the NCAA Northeast Regionals on Friday, Nov. 15 at the Audubon Golf Course. The race is set to start at 11 a.m. For more race information, click here.