CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - In only its first year of existence the Lesley University cross-country team has already produced several pieces of hardware. The women's team finished third in the conference and with that came quite a bit of recognition.
Caitie O'Donnell (Olympia, Wass.) who finished 6th overall in the Championships was honored as a member of the NAC 1st Team All-Conference. O'Donnell ran the 5k course in 23:01 despite being in the middle of a nor'easter. O'Donnell who was already honored as NAC Runner of the Week for coming in 2nd at the 2006 Saints Invitational at Franklin Park put a solidifying stamp on her rookie resume at Castleton. Sadie Lloyd also ran extremely well finishing 10th overall and was honored as a member of the NAC 2nd Team All-Conference. Lloyd ran the race in 24:07 just a minute and six seconds behind her teammate.
Although they were not eligible for a team award the men's team did not go away empty handed as Frannie Cusick (Lexington, Mass.) put the finishing touches on a very impressive rookie campaign. Cusick ran the course in 31:41 which was good enough for 4th overall and like O'Donnell Cusick was honored as a member of the NAC 1st Team All-Conference. Cusick's latest accomplishment joins an already noteworthy running resume. The sophomore started his collegiate career winning the 2006 Smith Invitational, and he finished 2nd in the 2006 Saints Invitational at Franklin Park.
With the Lesley cross-country programming growing around these two strong young athletes much more success should follow in the future. For more information on the Lesley University cross-country team please go to their website.