CMS competes at USATF New England Cross Country Championships

The Central Mass Strider men’s open and masters teams competed at the USATF New England Cross Country Championships at Franklin Park. The weather cleared from early morning rain hours before the start. The open team was led by Nate Jenkins who was with the leaders to the end, finishing just 16 seconds behind, Eric Ashe, winner from the BAA. Dan Vassallo, fresh off his Manchester City Marathon was the second CMS runner to cross the line getting to the finish just under 32 minutes. Timothy Liponis ran his first race at Franklin Park with a strong effort was followed by James Pawlicki and Ryan Collins. Tim and Ryan are Clark University Graduate students running their first CMS team race. The team finished 5th out of 9 teams. Full results.

Photos by KrissyK

USATF New England Cross Country Championships
Franklin Park, Boston, MA, November 10, 2013
Men's Open results 10K results CMS
5 Nathaniel Jenkins 33 Central Mass Str 31:06.43
17 Dan Vassallo 28 Central Mass Str 31:59.21
75 Timothy Liponis 24 Central Mass Str 35:14.29
82 James Pawlicki 39 Central Mass Str 35:39.57
90 Ryan Collins 28 Central Mass Str 36:22.19

Team Scores
1 Boston Athletic Association 18
2 New Balance Boston 56
3 Western Mass Distance Project 72
4 Greater Boston Track Club 111
5 Central Mass Striders 147
6 HFC Striders 177
7 Green Mountain Athletic Assoc 202
8 Adelphi 222
9 Sisu Project 230

The masters team finished 4th out of 9 teams – just 7 seconds behind GBTC. Greg Putnam took charge with the lead after the starting horn went off. He was in the lead pack down into the final straight. He finished six seconds behind Sandu Rebenciuc (a former CMS runner) from Greater Springfield. Ethan Nedeau had a strong showing representing CMS in his first New England Championship in 12th overall. Dan Verrington and Martin Tighe were next for CMS and placed 6th and 9th respectively in the 50+ age group. New CMS racing team member Nick Taormina gutted out a solid effort after running the Manchester Marathon last week. Dave Mingori finished right behind Nick.

Men's Masters 8K results CMS
4 Greg Putnam 44 Central Mass Str 26:49.20
12 Ethan Nedeau 40 Central Mass Str 27:33.86
29 Daniel Verrington 51 Central Mass Str 29:06.34
36 Martin Tighe 55 Central Mass Str 29:39.42
55 Nick Taormina 41 Central Mass Str 30:24.64
57 David Mingori 46 Central Mass Str 30:29.28

Team Scores
1 Boston Athletic Association 29
2 Green Mountain Athletic A 92
3 Greater Boston Track Club 110
4 Central Mass Striders 123
5 Gr.Springfield Harriers 132
6 Hfc Striders 140
7 Dirigo R.C. 140
8 Greater Lowell Roadrunner 169
9 Somverville Roadrunners 199

Dan Vassallo enroute to a 17th place finish at Franklin Park Photo by KrissyK