This year's men's team is short on numbers but long on dedication and talent.
"Saturday showed what many months of hard training six to seven days a week can do," said Co-captain Ben Kozyak '02. "I haven't seen such a strong pack since my freshman year."
Mike Page '04 led the charge, finishing eighth overall with a time of 27:01. "After a disappointing meet last week that was sub-par because of a cramp I got halfway through, it felt great to be able to give it my all and finish strongly," said Page.
The sophomore was not alone though, because right at his heels were Matt Katz '05, Zeke Phillips '05, John Stanton-Geddes '04 and Kozyak, finishing in 10th through 13th places. Carson Taylor '03 also ran well, placing 15th.
Coach Erik Nedeau praised his squad: "I was incredibly impressed by the pack that formed yesterday. We have a lot of young talent, so it was exciting to see such a competitive showing against such strong teams as Keene State and St. Lawrence University," said Nedeau.
Passing several runners during the final 800 meters of the race, Katz especially caught Nedeau's attention.
"During the last portion of the course, Matt pulled out an incredible kick that allowed him to have such a terrific finish. As both a coach and a spectator, it's very exciting to watch something like that," said Nedeau.
"Being able to race near so many of my teammates made it easier for me to put in a strong effort," said Katz. "I only hope that next week I can catch people from other teams, and not just my own, with my finishing kick."
Such a strong finish at Saturday's meet exceeded nearly all expectations and put the Amherst men in a position to be a contending force in the powerful NESCAC conference. "We put our name on the board on Saturday, and I'd love for it to stay there," said Stanton-Geddes.
The men will next run in Saturday's Codfish Bowl, in Boston's Franklin Park.