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The
College of New Jersey women's and men's cross country teams both
captured titles at the 2002 New Jersey Athletic Conference Championships
hosted by Richard Stockton College. The victory marked the ninth
consecutive conference title for the men, while the women took home
their eighth consecutive first place showing.
"We're excited about winning today and we hope to use this meet in
preparation for the upcoming NCAA Regionals," TCNJ head coach Steve
Dolan said. "One of the goals for each of our teams going into
every season is to win conference titles, so we're happy that we were
able to achieve those goals today."
TCNJ
posted a winning score of 18 on the women's side, followed by Rowan's
second place score of 56, and Richard Stockton's 97-point third-place
showing. Ramapo finished fourth with a team score of 101, followed by
William Paterson in fifth with 108 and New Jersey City's 175-point total
for a sixth place showing.
The Lions' winning team performance was sparked by individual champion
and 2002 NJAC Woman's Runner of the Year Beth Vesey. A two-time NJAC
individual champion, Vesey graciously complimented the performances of
both her teammates and opponents after posting a winning time of 22:27.
"I'm proud of my teammates for running a very smart and determined
race," Vesey said. "I also have to give credit to Rowan's
Sharon Crow for running very well and helping push the pace of the lead
pack."
The TCNJ men enjoyed equal success on the longer 8,000-meter course,
posting a team score of 20. Rowan followed in second place with 49
points, while Richard Stockton captured third overall with a point total
of 108. Ramapo finished fourth with a score of 128, while Kean followed
in fifth with a score of 141. William Paterson, Rutgers-Camden and
Montclair State finished sixth, seventh and eighth with respective team
scores of 156, 177 and 200.
TCNJ's senior Nick Ricco captured the individual title and earned NJAC
Male Runner of the Year honors for the first time in his career with a
winning time of 25:22.
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