By Jeff Fasoldt, @Jeff_Fasoldt
The St. Bonaventure University men’s cross-country team is coming off a recent win and great team performance at the Seton Hill Classic, and will look to continue its success this weekend at Notre Dame for the National Catholic Championships.
Nick Masiello, a junior, finished fifth in the Seton Hill Classic.
Masiello wants to do even better this weekend.
“I’d like to set the school record individually for the men in the 8k,” said Masiello.
Masiello tied the school record his freshman year with a time of 26:46.5
“It’s something I’ve been trying to do (since then),” said Masiello.
Masiello would also like the team to continue their success in South Bend.
“I’d like us to do at least what we did last year and finish in the top-15 overall.” Masiello says.
This certainly is no easy goal with over 35 other cross-country programs competing.
Harley Thompson, a junior, doesn’t have an individual goal, but he has team ones.
“I think we’re (Nick and Harley) the best duo on the team when it comes to working together and pushing each other,” said Thompson. “I’d also like a top-15 team finish, and I think that’d be huge coming off that win last week.”
The dynamic duo stressed the importance of working hard in practice.
“We need to get a little bit stronger everyday, whether it’s running, hitting the weight room, or stretching…it’s the little things that can give you the advantages to work off of,” said Masiello
Not every runner gets to go to Notre Dame to compete.
Masiello actually has some family ties to the big meet today.
“It’s my dad’s alumni school, so I’ve always got to try and make my dad proud,” said Masiello. “Also, it’s nice to compete against some of the bigger schools, even though it’s not really competing, it’s more of a Notre Dame showcase. They always usually put most of their runners in the top 10.”
Thompson is also excited for the race.
“I look forward to it,” said Thompson. “It’s a whole different kind of racing style. I love competing against schools like that to push myself, and hopefully learn some new things, and run some good times.”
The men look to continue their success today at 5 p.m.
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