Mountaineer Takes Home NECC Award For Cross Country
BENNINGTON, Vt. - Southern Vermont has not let too many weeks go by in the fall season without a student-athlete receiving honors from the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC). This week was no different, as another honor went to freshman cross country runner Nick Murray (Hummelstown, PA/Lower Dauphin HS) who placed well enough to earn Rookie of the Week for cross country in the NECC.
Murray placed 22nd overall and was the Mountaineers top finisher in the Vermont State Championships this past weekend with a career best time of 30:56.6 for the tough terrain 8K course against NCAA DI, DII and DIII schools. Southern Vermont finished 9th as a team with 221 points.
As far as Murray is concerned, the program is heading into a direction he is excited about. "It's nice to see that the program is getting recognition," said Murray, "and it's nice to be a part of something that is moving forward and improving each week."
Southern Vermont College Athletic Director Ben Kozik credited the freshman for being an integral part of the program.
"Nick had a great week this week," said SVC Athletic Director Ben Kozik. "It just goes to show that if you keep focused and remain dedicated, which Nick has, the sky's the limit. If he continues to remain committed, he will have a great career here at SVC."
Murray has been running great this year with a 19th place finish in the SVC Invitational last week. He ran the challenging 8K Mountaineer course with a time of 32:32.5. Southern Vermont finished in 4th place out of the seven colleges competing.
Head Coach Joe Catania is very happy with the progress Murray has made and the potential he has in the sport.
"Nick trains consistently and is learning quickly the attributes that make up a dedicated runner," said Catania. "If Nick continues his progression as a runner and remains dedicated, he could become a force at the top of our conference. With the years to come, as our program grows, and we have a solid core of runners, he will continue to improve and step up to a higher level."
The Mountaineers will be competing in the Westfield State Invitational this Saturday, October 11. The first race begins at 11:00 a.m.
