The wind and torrential rain at Saturday's Navy Invitational in Annapolis, Md. was not an obstacle for the AU cross country team.
The men's squad easily claimed the team title, outdistancing Navy 20-41. The women captured second place honors in a field of nine teams.
The men were led by overall winner Pat MacAdie. MacAdie covered the hilly, slow 8-kilometer course in 24:58. During the early part of the race, MacAdie was among 10 runners fighting for the lead. Poised and confident, he waited until the right moment to make a move.
"All of our guys were together, which is great," said MacAdie. "There was a hill that I used to give me a push and after that I started pulling away, opening a gap between myself and the group."
Although MacAdie experienced pain during the latter part of the race, it didn't handicap his performance.
"I started hurting with a little over a mile left," said MacAdie. "But, I just kept concentrating on the finish line."
MacAdie was satisfied with his effort.
"I ran faster than what I did last year," said MacAdie. "Now, all I have to do is put it together when it counts."
Sean Duffy, in his first meet of the season, finished second in 25:11. Following Duffy were Conor Lanz (4th, 25:18), Stephen Hallinan (5th, 25:19), Brendan Fennell (8th, 25:35), Matt Barresi (9th, 25.35.5), Pat Burford (10th, 25:40) and Phil Turner (25:57). By the end of the races, the Eagles placed seventh.
Head coach Matt Centrowitz praised the team's performance. "It was a great start" said Centrowitz. "I tell them to go out there and run what they're capable of."
Centrowitz said that Phil Gaeta, a 2003 All-Patriot League runner, will join the team before the League Championships, enhancing the team's composition.
The men's team also featured a Junior Varsity squad. Daniel Beardslee covered the 3.2 mile course in 16:39, finishing second place.
"I've been injured my entire AU career, so I'm just working on getting back in shape for the indoor and outdoor track seasons," Beardslee said. "I ran well today. I struggled on the last mile, having to run the Bertha hill but I still had a strong finish."
Beardslee credits the weather for giving him some adrenaline.
"I love running in the rain," he said.
Keira Carlstrom echoed his love for the rain.
"The rain did invigorate me," she said.
Spectators can attest to that. Carlstrom pulled away from the pack during the first 200 meters and never looked back, cruising to a course-record victory. She covered the 6-kilometer course in 21:45.11.
"I expected someone to go with me, but I realized it was just me," Carlstrom said. "I set my own pace ... I felt relaxed and strong."
Carlstrom's win marks her second victory of the season. She credits her summer training and trust in coach Centrowitz for her success. She logged runs totaling 2 hours, which has now been tapered to 90 minutes.
"I had an awesome summer, putting in about 80 miles a week," said Carlstrom. "I am starting miles ahead of what I was last year ... I also trust coach [Centrowitz] and his workouts," Carlstrom said. "My faith in him has enhanced my performance."
Carlstrom, the defending Patriot League champion, hopes the team can repeat last year's win and improve on their seventh place effort at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Region meet. Individually, Carlstrom said she hopes to place among the top five at the NCAA cross country championship.
Sophomore Kelley Taylor was runner-up with 22:51. She enjoyed great success during her freshman year, placing among the top 25 in the 2003 Mid-Atlantic meet. However, Taylor doesn't rest on her freshman success.
"You have to keep looking ahead," Taylor said. "Every year there are people that are better than you and you just have to keep working to beat them."
Taylor said she felt good about her performance.
"I felt more relaxed," Taylor said. "My mile splits were more even than last's meet, so I accomplished my goal."
Taylor said she hopes the hard work invested so far will propel her to the next level.
"I want to make it to the NCAA [cross country championship]," Taylor said. "I need to be among the top four individuals [at the regional competition]."
Zaia Wharton continued her improvement, placing 8th (23:30).
"Zaia is tremendously better than last year," Centrowitz said.
Senior Whitney McNees, a member of the 2003 PL winning contingent, placed 20th (24:24).
"I am not disappointed at all with my performance," McNees said. "I went out there and did what I was supposed to do ... [the race] gives me a chance to see what I have to do in the next six weeks."
The Patriot League meet is six weeks from now.
"Coach wanted me to cut half the time between me and a Navy opponent," McNees said. At the Mount Saint Mary's meet, McNees was a minute behind the Navy competitor. She narrowed that gap to 25 seconds behind the Navy runner.
"We just need to keep closing the gap," added assistant coach Terry Weir.
Centrowitz explained that McNees' performance reflects one of his main training principles. "The season is about progression," said Centrowitz. "When championship time arrives, we'll be ready."
Freshmen Juliette Lynch and Cathleen Ford were 23rd (24:31) and 30th (25:15) respectively.
After the meet, the teams joined at Centrowitz's home for a barbecue and a motivational gathering.
"I enjoyed watching you run today," Centrowitz said. "Great teams help bring the best out of each other."
Based on the accomplishments and the camaraderie among teammates, the Eagles are the embodiment of a great team.
The AU cross country teams will continue their season at this weekend's Maryland Invitational.
