WATERFORD, Conn. — The Southern Vermont College men's cross country team concluded the 2015 season at Saturday's NCAA Regional Qualifier at Harkness Memorial State Park, four of the team's times being personal records with three adjusting the program's record list.
SVC junior Justin Ferguson (Broadalbin, N.Y.) led the Mountaineers, running a 5:13 pace on the 8,000 meter ocean-side course to finish at 25:53. That mark moved him up to second on the all-time Southern Vermont record list as he took 25 seconds off his previous personal record.
Sophomore Marc Brandmeyer (Bennington, Vt.) finished next for the Mountaineers, crossing at 25:59 for a time 14 seconds quicker than his previous best. He now sits at third on the all-time SVC record chart, Brandmeyer and Ferguson being only the second two Southern Vermont runners to ever register a sub-26:00 in an 8k race (Dan Dix, 2000: 25:23). "To see Justin and Marc running with Williams, Amherst and the best teams not only in New England, but in the country, made myself and Coach Krawczyk so proud," commented third-year SVC head coach Kathleen Newton.
Mountaineer junior Corey Barcomb (Burlington, Vt.) came through third for the team, posting a 28:27 that ties him for the 10th-best mark on the all-time SVC record list (John Brady 2003, Andrew Brandmeyer 2014); his showing was 15 seconds faster than his old personal record.
Senior captain Cameron Michael Curtiss (Milton, Vt.) made the most of his final collegiate race, taking eight seconds off his previous best for a 28:52 to finish fourth for SVC. Bennington College freshman Noah Froh (Milwaukee, Wis.) completed his rookie season for the Mountaineers, rounding out their team scoring with a 29:16. "Corey and Cameron put it all out there and had their best races ever," continued Newton. "Noah ran strong and, being only a freshman, had an amazing season. He knew this was a tough meet but commented that it was more competitive and tougher than he imagined."
"Both the men's and women's team this season have not only raised the bar for SVC Cross Country, but also for our conference and beyond," concluded Newton. "In very tough, aggressive races today, each athlete held their own as we had many personal bests. They went into this highly competitive meet positively and wanting to make a difference; they accomplished that and more.
"To see these guys get faster and stronger week-after-week has been amazing," claimed Newton. "Each and every day, they came ready to push themselves and their teammates. I couldn't have asked for a more dedicated and hard-working team. Being an SVC alum and cross country runner, it gave me great pride to see SVC make history in cross country! This team is deserving of recognition and respect. My emotions are running high with pride, respect, appreciation for both teams. They have made a season for all to remember and one to look forward to in 2016. I feel honored and thankful to be their coach!"
Southern Vermont
52nd – Justin Ferguson: 25:53 (PR)
64th – Marc Brandmeyer: 25:59 (PR)
222nd – Corey Barcomb: 28:27 (PR)
251st – Cameron Michael Curtiss: 28:52 (PR)
276th – Noah Froh: 29:16