BUFFALO — The Canisius cross country teams will take part in the 2016 NCAA Northeast Regional on Friday from Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx with the women running in the 6k event at 11 a.m. and the men taking part in the 10k event at 12 p.m. The race will feature 40 teams on the women’s side and 41 teams in the men’s event.
The race will determine which teams move on to nationals, with the two top teams from each region getting an automatic bid. The remaining teams will be selected based on the Kolas points system that ranks teams based on number of ranked opponents beaten.
“This is one of the greatest races in the country,” said head coach Nate Huckle. “There are nine regionals so it brings forth some of the best talent that this country and other countries have to offer. I’m looking forward to my athletes getting out there and running confidently in a great field of runners.”
After a strong showing at the 2016 MAAC Cross Country Championships two weeks ago, that included sophomore Siobhan Quinn winning the individual title on the women’s side, Huckle is excited about the momentum the team has created heading into the weekend.
“The big takeaway from MAAC’s is confidence,” added Huckle. “I see the team now, compared to where they were heading into MAAC’s, it’s a whole other level of confidence. They really believe in themselves and believe they can compete at a very high level.“
Huckle hopes that confidence will translate into success on the course, with a chance to potentially crack the top ten in each race.
“Both teams will have to establish a strong position early, but not go out too hard,” said Huckle. “They will have to close hard in the 1,000 meters for the women and the 2,000 meters for the men.”
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