"Everyone's hard work and training over the summer has been evident," said Hamill. "Sure there's a lot more work to be done, but I think we're off to a solid start."
Amherst also finished second in the team competition, losing
to Trinity College. Springfield College's Marissa Clapp won the women's individual title.
Erinn White '04 was instrumental in the team's high finish, as the second Jeff to cross the finish line. Her time of 20:21 was good enough for seventh overall. Captain Alison Dimon '03 followed behind with a time of 20:44 and a placing of 12th overall.
Several strong freshmen will provide depth to an already solid team. Freshmen Ginger Polich, Jenny Horowitz and Margaret Davis finished within a few second of each other, in 17th, 19th and 21st places respectively. Rounding out the women were Laurel Kilgour '03, Jessamyn Conell-Price '06 and Hilary Plum '03.
"The weather certainly posed as a challenge, but it was probably even hotter last year," said Hamill. "The field loop was the worst and most challenging [part of the race] just because there's no shade at all."
The heat did work to the advantage of some people, however. "I personally like running in the heat, but I'm considered a freak by everyone else who seem to prefer cooler weather," said Dimon.
This meet was even more impressive, the heat withstanding, considering the fact the team was not performing at their highest efficiency.
"We view the first meet as a way to see where we're at as a team, rather than expecting anything out of it," Dimon said.
The Jeffs' next meet is at the Panther Invitational hosted by NESCAC rival Middlebury College, which is a meet the runners look forward to each year.
"Middlebury has a great course, and hopefully the heat won't be such a factor," added Hamill. "The competition, like last year, should be a good challenge too."