Freshman cross country runners discuss season

By Don Stewart | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Last Saturday, the Flagler College men’s cross country team wrapped up their season with a strong performance at the NCAA Division II Southeast Regionals, finishing 13th out of 24 teams.

It has been a trying season for the Saints, battling injuries and adjusting to a new coach, but the team stuck together.

Freshman of the Year Corey Mundy said the team performed well at the regional meet, adding that nearly everyone set a new personal record. Fellow teammate and freshman Matt Goodman was also pleased with the team’s performance at regional’s.

“I thought we all put forth a great effort,” Goodman said. “We beat Georgia College, which was an improvement just over two weeks as they beat us at conference. I finally put together a good race and ran my best ever times.”

Both runners were very pleased with the character this group showed. Those who were injured throughout the season remained a huge part of the team, as they would travel to the meets to cheer on their teammates.

“As for morale, the team’s spirit seemed very high throughout the season despite having a coaching change. As was expected, some of the upper classmen had to adjust to the new coach,” Goodman said.

This is a great sign for next year’s team; a team that Mundy and Goodman believe has a chance to be special. However, the team does lose two prominent seniors, Alex Bonus and Mike Lambert to graduation. Their great ability in races will definitely be missed, as well as their leadership.

But Goodman and Mundy believe the team will be in good hands with Derek Casciano, who is expected to take over as the team’s new captain.

“I think we will definitely improve our standing in the conference and region next year despite losing two from the top five,” Goodman said. “As long as everyone stays healthy and works to their potential, we’re going to continue to make the program better and better.”