Men's cross country competes at weekend CCSU mini meet

10/31/08 - The University of Rhode Island men's cross country team finished eighth overall at the Central Connecticut State University Mini Meet last weekend, while the Atlantic 10 recognized two team members."The guys are peaking at the perfect time coming down the stretch," coach Kyle Poland said. "We are in great position and exactly where we want to be at this point in the season."

Junior Ryan Karwiel led the Rams, finishing in 18th place overall. He covered the CCSU five-kilometer course in a time of 15:43.

Karwiel was honored by the A-10 by being named the cross country performer of the week for his performance at CCSU.

"Ryan ran one of the fastest times in a long time for URI with his 15:43, which was a personal best for him," Poland said.

Junior Nathan Ruchames was the second URI finisher, in 35th place overall. He crossed the finish line in a time of 16:01. Junior Dan Hawkins placed 51st, crossing the line in 16:13.

While freshman Michael Pezzullo was 64th in time of 16:21, he was also recognized by the A-10 for his strong performance by earning the cross country rookie for the week award for the time this season.

"Being A-10 rookie of the week is pretty awesome," Pezzullo said. "Everyone is running really well now near the end of the season when it really matters."

Freshman Joe Ferro rounded out the Rhody scorers, in 78th place and a time of 16:36. Freshman Michael Liu was 140th, completing the Rhode Island finishers (18:33).

"Everyone had a personal best at CCSU and we can definitely improve upon those times in the near future," Poland said. "We have backed off on our workouts and getting in some rest, especially for this coming weekend for the A-10's."

URI will compete in the 2008 Atlantic 10 Championship on Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Campus Course at Charlotte, North Carolina.

"The goal for this team is to place in the top 10 in our conference," Poland said.