Men's XC Takes 5th-Straight NEC Title
Senior Craig Hunt claimed the 2013 Individual Champion title, followed closely by Brian Biekert and Colby Delbene in second and third.
The Blue Devils captured their fifth-straight Northeast Conference Championship title on Saturday in impressive fashion as CCSU claimed the top three spots. Senior Craig Hunt won the 8K race, earning his first NEC Individual Champion title and breaking the Saint Francis U course record with his time of 26:23. Seven Blue Devils were named All-Conference.
Central Connecticut dominated the top of the field, placing six runners in the top 10. Hunt was followed closely by junior Brian Biekert in second with his time of 26:29 and senior Colby Delbene in third, clocking a time of 26:44.
Under one minute later, another trio of Blue Devils crossed the finish line. Sophomore Tyler Raymond led the pack with an eighth-place finish registering a time of 27.11. He was followed by senior John Krell in ninth with his time of 27:28 and junior Patrick Hubbell crossed in 27:32 for 10th. Less than 30 seconds later, sophomore Andy Pullaro finished the race in 12th with a time of 27:58.
The top eight Blue Devils were named to the 2013 All-NEC team for their impressive efforts on the course.
Also competing for Central was senior Andrew Hill, who placed 22nd in the field of 72 with his time of 28:42, as well as freshman Joseph Gioielli who placed 45th with a time of 30:18.
Central boasted a team score of 23 to claim the victory, followed by Robert Morris (93), Saint Francis U (96) and Bryant (109). Sacred Heart came in fifth with a score of 140, Mount St. Mary's followed with 149, then Wagner with 157. Fairleigh Dickinson (195) and St. Francis Brooklyn (273) rounded out the nine-team field.
With both New England and NEC Championships under their belts, the Blue Devils will travel to Van Cortlandt Park in Bronx, NY on Friday, Nov. 15 to compete at the NCAA Regional meet.
