BUFFALO — The University at Buffalo cross country teams are traveling to the Bronx for the NCAA Northeast Regionals. In the most recent regional polls, the men have moved up two spots to 9th and the women have dropped one place to 13th. These rankings come after the MAC Championships where the men placed third overall and the women placed sixth. Barrett Kemp and Stephanie Ward led the way for the men and women.
Barrett Kemp posted an impressive seventh place finish at the MAC Championships, clocking in at 25:33.40. Not far behind him were teammates Andrew Berge (16th), Jack Jibb (17th), Justin Van Epps (25th), and Franklyn Pfeil (30th). Kemp’s finish helped him earn an All-MAC First Team honor. On the women’s side, it was Stephanie Ward on top yet again. The freshman has been a threat on the course this season, crossing the finish line for the Bulls first in each race. Her time of 21:44.40 at the MAC Championship helped place her 13th, earn All-MAC Second Team, and Freshman of the Year honors. Ward is the highest placing freshman in Buffalo history at the race, and is the first ever Bull to earn Freshman of the Year. Not too far behind Ward were teammates Morgan Mahoney and Rachel Barich, who placed 22nd and 33rd, respectively.
Last year, the women took home a 15th overall finish for the third time in program history. Amy Shaw led the way for the Bulls last year, finishing with a time of 21:39.60 and a 34th place finish. Her time was a third-best finish in program history. Melinda Wheeler, Chardae Henry, Corinne Birchard, and Meagan Hopkins helped pace the Bulls to their 15th place finish. The men finished 18th overall last year, with Barrett Kemp leading the way. Kemp placed 30th individually with a time of 31:27.90 in the 10K. Also helping to pace the men were Justin Van Epps and Jack Jibb.
The race is set to begin Friday in the Bronx with the women at 11:00 a.m., and the men at noon.
from UBBulls.com via IFTTT