WATERFORD, C.T. – The Union Dutchmen Cross Country team posted strong times to place 16th out of 26 in the Mideast region, held at Connecticut College. The youthful team of two first-years, three sophomores, and two juniors posted times as much as 30 seconds faster than their race on the same course last month. The 8K course was rain soaked and windy, posing problems for many athletes as they battled to stay on their feet around slippery corners.

Freshman Ryan Russell led the team with a time of 27:14, finishing 58th in the talented field which was loaded with nationally ranked teams. Sophomore Ben Trantanella ran second for the team with 28:03. Freshman Ben Neff finished with 28:13, while sophomore Mark D'Alessandro, clocked in with a 28:28.
 
Junior co-captain Ronan Coughlin ran in the fifth scoring position for the team, running a minute faster than his last visit to this course, 28:48. Junior Aiden Rowley ran 29:02 - four minutes faster than his last appearance on this course. Sophomore Charlie Alekson rounded out the squad finishing in 29:08.


The team finished with a total spread of 1:38 seconds for the scoring five, an impressive showing for the Dutchmen.