Cross country runs with hope for GNACs

A freshman from the Norwich cross country team was named Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) rookie of the week, according to the Norwich athletic website.

"It was a big surprise being that this was my third meet," said Zach Brown, an 18-year-old freshman majoring in mechanics from Scarborough, Maine. "You have to be able to push yourself."

Brown placed in the top 20 at the Middlebury meet Sept. 17 with the time of 29:26.4 minutes, according to the Norwich athletic website.

"Zach's been great, he has stepped up," said head coach Nick Cooper. "After the Middlebury meet he just has been consistent."

In addition, Brown finished in the top 10 after the men's cross country team won the Rivier Invitational, according to the Norwich athletic website.

"I just want to (be in shape) when GNAC comes," Brown said. "Running at least six to eight miles a day and doing other workouts, such as P90X, during the week is my daily routine."

With GNAC just around the corner, the men and women prepare to enter the second half of the season.

"We are working hard through the first half of the season to get ready for regionals," Cooper said.

"(Our) team is still growing because of the freshmen," said Mallory Clark, a 20-year-old junior majoring in biology from Homer City, Pa. "With our new coach we are getting a lot stronger."

"The women are doing well," Cooper said. They continue to improve; times drop every meet.

Having great expectations leading up to the tournament, the team seems to be running on the right track.

"Everyone hasn't peaked yet, which is good," Cooper said. The GNACs will be held Oct. 29 at Franklins Park in Boston. "It's going to be exciting."

The Cadets are looking forward to improving results from their previous seasons. In 2010 they finished third in the GNAC and the year before they finished second, according to the Norwich athletic website.

"As the days come and go we are getting closer to GNAC's," said Jesse Navarro, a 19-year-old sophomore majoring in communications from Martinburg, W.Va. "We have a good shot at winning it."

"Cross country isn't a team sport, but the team depends on (your effort)," said Arielle Eaton, a 19-year old, a sophomore majoring in communications from Columbus, Ga. "We want to do well so that the school can be proud."