Hornets close out season at NCAA Regional Championship

BRUNSWICK, Me. – The Hornet harriers closed out their season in fine fashion at the NCAA Regional Championship. Nine personal records were notched between both teams with junior captain Josh Grant (Nashua, N.H.) leading the way with a time of 25:40 over the men's eight-kilometer course.

The men's team ran well enough to take 22nd place overall and, more importantly, redeem their NAC title loss by besting 2011 NAC Champion New England College, who finished 23rd. 

Grant finished 45th overall after leading the race for the first mile. Grant was followed by freshman Tyler Scheibenplug (Wolcott, Conn.) who finished 139th in 27:27 (PR), and senior captain Craig Johnson (North Kingstown, R.I.) crossed the finish line in 27:43, a personal record, for 151st place.

Running as the Hornet's fourth man on the day was junior Jimmy Beili (Gloversville, N.Y.) in 165th place with a personal time of 27:54 while senior captain Wildens Fils (Stamford, Conn.) ran close behind for 168th place in 27:57 (PR).

Junior Joe Kill (Randolph, Vt.) also notched a personal record time of 28:19 for 187th place. Sophomore Kenedi Hall (Hartland, Vt.) ran the majority of the championship with only one shoe and managed a time of 28:06. In a field of over 51 NCAA Division III teams and 321 competitors, the men continue to improve.

"The leadership and character of Craig and Wildens will be sorely missed," said Lyndon head coach Chris Ummer. "It was only fitting that these two closed out their collegiate careers with personal best performances."

In the women's race, the Hornets ran to a 44th team place finish (56 team in total), but three places in front of conference rival Castleton State, who placed 47th. The ladies were paced by senior Allynne O'Hearn (Pelham, N.H.) who covered the six-kilometer course in 25:02 (PR).

Junior Cassie Tricou (New Haven, Vt.), who ran second for the Hornets on the day, recorded a 25:32 (PR), while sophomore Ani Pytlewski (Putney, Vt.) notched a 26:05 (PR).

Junior Leah Morgan (Milton, Vt.) completed the course in 27:54 while senior Holly Reed (Essex, Vt.), running fifth for the Hornets on the day, had excellent race as she closed out her collegiate career.

"It's been such a pleasure to coach both Allynne and Holly," said ummer. "Student-athletes like these two make coaching worthwhile and hugely rewarding. They epitomize teamwork, being a team player, sportsmanship, and hard work."
 
Men's Race Results

Josh Grant                45th    25:40
Tyler Scheibenplug   139th  27:27
Craig Johnson          151st  27:43
Jimmy Beili                165th  27:54
Wildens Fils              168th  27:57
Joe Kill                      175th  28:06
Kenedi Hall               187th  28:19

Women's Individual Results

Allynne O'Hearn      183rd  25:02
Cassie Tricou           210th  25:32
Ani Pytlewski           239th  26:05
Leah Morgan           301st  27:54
Holly Reed               323rd  29:50