BOSTON – The University of Maine at Presque Isle men’s cross country team became the 2007 NCAA Division III Independent Northeast Cross Country Champions this weekend at Franklin Park, Boston. The Owls finished with a leading score of 33, 14 points better than runner up Newbury College. On the women’s side, UMPI finished a close second to Salem College, being edged out by only 6 points.
Although the course was new to most of the Owls athletes, all but two runners still finished the race with a seasonal best time.
Despite not having anyone finish in the top five, the UMPI men prevailed and won the meet due to team effort. Each Owl peaked at the right time. Emerson Wright (Presque Isle) led the Owls, finishing sixth in 29:10, a personal best for Wright. Scott Graham (Waterville) finished in seventh with a time of 29:43. Kirk Robinson (Bingham) followed in eighth, 30:01. Kurt Whistler (Fort Kent), nagged with injuries, finished 10th in a time of 30:41. To top off the scoring for the Owls was Chris Rines (Caribou) who finished 13th in 31:32. Rounding out the pack for the Owls was Aaron Schmersal (Winthrop), 14th in 31:44; Andrew Ciszewski (Caribou), 15th in 31:50; Michael LeClair (Winslow), 22nd in 36:39 and Zach Tupper (Lisbon), 24th in 39:05.
Michelle Phillips (Riverview, NB) and Leah Joy (Swan’s Island) lead the UMPI women’s team with second and third place finishes. Phillips finished in a time of 21:06, followed closely behind by teammate Joy who finished in 21:34. Both runners ran stayed close to the leader throughout the race. Rounding out the top five for UMPI was Chandra Wisneski (Amherst, NH), ninth in 23:56; Linda Gover (Caribou), 10th in 24:12 and Christine Roy (St. Agatha), 11th in 24:15. Finally, Heather Dionne (Madawaska) finished the race in 24th with a time of 32:36.
“These runners are all very dedicated athletes,” commented head coach Chris Smith, “they were focused and mentally strong all season. Today, they executed their plan and as a result, did very well. They ran their best when it counted.”
Contributed photo/Tracy Guerrette
OWL ON THE FLY – Presque Isle native, Emerson Wright, runs around the bend on his home course at UMPI. Wright recently led the Owls to the 2007 NCAA Division III Independent Northeast title.
