Fitchburg State to host MASCAC Cross Country Championships

Westfield, Mass.— The Fitchburg State men and Westfield State women, the defending 2015 Cross Country Champions, look to defend their crowns at the 2016 Massachusetts State Collegiate Cross Country Championship hosted by Fitchburg State.

The meet will be run at Doyle Reservation in Leominster, Mass. on Saturday, October 29. The MASCAC women's squads will run first at 11 am followed by the men at noon. Following both of the races, the awards will be announced, including the meet champions, finalists, runner and rookie of the year along with coach of the year.

Last year, Westfield State women claimed their 13th straight MASCAC Cross Country title. The Owls finished with 38 points while Bridgewater State was right behind in second with 42 points. For the second straight year, Jessie Cardin of Westfield State earned Runner of the Year with an 18:41 5k time while Mia Rogers of Worcester State claimed the Rookie of the Year honors with a time of 19:32.

In the men's race, Fitchburg State won their first MASCAC title since 2008 season by collecting 24 points over runner-up Westfield State with 41 points. Mike Skelly of Westfield State was the top overall runner to earn Runner of the Year accolades with an 8k time of 26:35. Anthony Darrigo of Fitchburg State was the top first-time performer to cross and take home MASCAC Rookie of the Year honors with a time of 27:51, good enough for sixth.

All race results and recaps can be found on mascac.com following the meet. Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for live meet updates.

The Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference, the nation's oldest Division III men's and women's playing conference, has a rich and storied tradition of competitive success while celebrating excellence in the classroom. MASCAC member schools include Bridgewater State University, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, MCLA, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Salem State University, Westfield State University and Worcester State University. Two other institutions, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Plymouth State University, are affiliate members of the conference in the sports of football and men's ice hockey, while Western Connecticut State University joined the conference as an affiliate member in football beginning in 2013.

Release courtesy Emily Loux, Director of Media Relations MASCAC