October 8, 2005 - 1st in Rider Invitational

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October 8, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

College Cross Country

Rider Women First, Men Second at Rider Invitational

 

LAWRENCEVILLE—The rain and wind and mud were enough to cancel most outdoor events Saturday. Fortunately for Rider University freshman Andrea Campbell (Somers Point/Mainland Regional), the Rider Invitational cross country meet went on as scheduled. “I love this weather, the cooler the better,” said Campbell, who finished first overall in the three-team race. “It is easier to breath, so if I have to take the rain with the cool air, I will any day.”

The Rider women’s cross country team placed first of three teams, and the Rider men placed second of four teams at the Rider Invitational Saturday. Campbell covered the rain-soaked 5K course in 21:03.90.  “Andrea ran a great race today,” said Bob Hamer, the Rider assistant track & field/cross country coach who handles the distance runners. “She is very talented, and she put herself in the right position.  She used the Siena runner to shield the wind and rain for most of the race.  She made her move with about a mile to go.  She’s tough, and probably didn’t even mind the muck.”

“I stayed with the leader for most of the race, then with about a mile to go I felt good so I just went ahead and did my own thing,” said Campbell.  “I’d rather run in this (rain and mud). I’ve always been more comfortable in this weather.  Cool and cloudy are the perfect conditions for me, and if it rains, no big deal.”

For the Rider men, sophomore John Smith (Cliffwood Beach/Matawan) placed second overall, covering the five mile course in 27:03.10.  Smith, on the other hand, is not a big fan of the muck.  “This was the worst I’ve ever raced in,” said Smith, who has finished first among Rider runners in every race he has competed in since becoming a Bronc.  “It was very sloppy, slippery footing. I don’t particularly like this weather to run in.”

Princeton’s Jeff Byrne won the men’s race in 27:01.60. “I was out front most of the race,” Smith said, “and got passed in the last 200, but I felt strong and was able to stay with him.”

Also for the Rider women, freshman Kelly Wojciehowski (Fair Haven/Rumson Fair Haven) placed second overall in 21:18.30, freshman Megan Crowe (Philadelphia, PA/St. Hubert’s) was fifth among the 34 runners in 21:23.50, and freshman Jennifer Barr (Manalapan) was eighth in 22:14.00.

“This was a huge step for our women’s program,” said Hamer.  “Our goal this year was to be in the top four in the MAAC.  Siena finished fourth last year and we beat them today, so that was a good sign.”

For the Rider men, sophomore Paul Matuszak (Philadelphia, PA/Archbishop Ryan) placed third overall in 27:10.70, sophomore Jeff Stead (Fairless Hills, PA/Pennsbury) was eighth among the 60 runner in 27:36.80, and freshman Matt Dahl (West Keansburg/Raritan) was 12^th in 28:16.70.

“The men had an overall good effort today,” said Hamer.  “Our goal was to send a message that we are back. Beating Siena today was important, they beat us at the MAACs last year, and we wanted to show we are further along this year then we were last year. We had a good, hard consistent effort. John (Smith) and Paul (Matuszak) battled strong and they ran a good race.  They beat some talented Princeton runners.”

“Coach Hamer is doing such a great job with both cross country teams,” said Rob Pasquariello, the acting head coach of the track & field/cross country program. “The kids are buying into what he’s selling. They’ve taken on his personality of a tough, hard-nosed competitor, and we’re all very proud of what is taking place here.”

Rider competes at the Lafayette Invitational October 15.

-RU-

Team scores

Women: Rider 27, Siena 29, Saint Peter’s 85
Men: Princeton 25, Rider 40, Siena 61, Saint Peter’s 112