By Emily McCarthy, News Correspondent
The Northeastern men’s cross country team finished second overall in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Championship at Towson University on Saturday thanks to a first-place finish from standout sophomore Wesley Gallagher.
The men’s side was just edged out by the College of William & Mary, which captured the team title with four runners placing in the top 10.
Gallagher, who has led the Huskies in almost every meet this season, finished the 8-kilometer course with a winning time of 24:42.02.
“The course was very hard and I had to really dig down during the race,” Gallagher said in an email to the News. “Right from the start I knew it was going to be a very tough race. But I trusted in my training and coaching throughout.”
Sophomore Zachary Krause finished fourth overall with a time of 25:13.12. Junior Zachary Fraielli finished seventh in 25:31.18. Gallagher, Krause and Fraielli earned All-CAA honors for their performances. Junior Charles Conway finished 17th overall and sophomore Allen Meringolo finished 20th to round out the scoring for Northeastern.
“I was happy with how the team finished overall,” Gallagher said.
Gallagher was also awarded the CAA Most Outstanding Performer award for his individual victory.
“I wasn’t expecting this award at all so it means a lot that the CAA would recognize me and give me this award,” he said.
The women’s squad finished fourth overall out of the field of eight teams. William & Mary also took home the team title on the women’s side, capturing the top five spots.
Northeastern was led by freshman Lucy Young, who finished sixth with a time of 22:06.27 for the 6-kilometer course. Young took home All-CAA honors for her top 10 finish.
Senior Danielle Klein finished 13th with a time of 22:55.48. Freshman Jordan O’Dea finished close behind in 15th place with a time of 22:59.03. Rounding out the socring for the Huskies were sophomore Jocelyn Hubbard and freshman Kate Johnstone who finished 34th and 49th, respectively.
The Huskies continue postseason action on Nov. 15 when they head to the Bronx for the NCAA Northeast Regional Championship.
“For the regional meet I would personally like to qualify for nationals and I would like the team to finish top eight,” Gallagher said.
