(MEN'S 8K RESULTS) / (WOMEN'S 6K RESULTS)

Canton, NY — Although there is still a highly anticipated conference call Sunday morning that decides what teams and which individuals season's will continue on at nationals, the State University of New York at New Paltz cross country team put itself in great positioning Saturday at the Atlantic Regional meet to make history once more in 2019.
 
The day was highlighted by leading runners Emily Cavanagh and Matt Whitworth, who finished sixth and 16th overall, respectively, in the women's 6K and men's 8K race. The Hawks have never had more than one runner qualify for nationals, but with Cavanagh and Whitworth's performances they both very well can represent SUNY New Paltz in Kentucky next week.

"I felt in control most of the race," said Whitworth. "I stuck with the strategy today and ran with my teammates; that helped me towards the end. Hearing my coaches and teammates cheer for me gave me the boost I needed." 
 

After a disappointing finish at the conference meet two weeks ago due to injury, Whitworth bounced back and positioned himself for a chance to earn an individual spot after his finish at regionals, while Cavanagh secured her second consecutive appearance at nationals by placing within the top-seven.
"It feels so exciting, especially for my last year to go to nationals in Kentucky," Cavanagh said. "I'm excited to go and compete."

Additionally, Cassandra Williams also ran herself in great positioning to also qualify after coming in 16th with a time of 23 minutes, 5.6 seconds.
 
"The whole environment was very exciting, this whole trip and experience," Williams said. "I am very happy with how I raced. I felt strong, while I was pushing myself and my boundaries I felt in control. It was awesome to share a magical experience with my very close friend and teammate Emily, who is a senior, both of us reaching our goals. No matter what happens with the decisions made tomorrow with at-large bids, I gave it my all, and I am proud of that."
 
Led by Cavanagh and Williams the women also made history finishing ninth overall out of 38 teams, the highest team finish in program history. The men, meanwhile, placed 14th out of 42 teams, besting last season's 15th overall finish.
 
Following Cavanagh and Williams, Clara Flores-Reininger placed 62nd after clocking in with a time of 24:07.4, followed by Vanessa Morgan in 62nd (24:22.4), Ripley Insalaco in 71st (25:28.5), Kylee Kresege in 180th (26:32.) and Riley Loughlin in 207th (27:22.7).
 
For the men, Conor Van Riper was the Hawks' No. 2 runner, placing 33rd to earn his first All-Region selection after clocking in with a time of 26:03.7. Jack Wilson wasn't too far behind, placing 39th, finishing in 26:11.4, followed by Jake Meyers (79th, 26:47.6), Ryan Tso (177th, 28:19.5), Chris D'Antonio (192nd, 28:42.7) and Ryan Carrick (199th, 28:53.5).  
"Making All-Region is what I wanted to do and I did it," Van Riper said. "I'm happy I got in by the skin of my teeth, like I always end up doing. Because of the course conditions, the plan got thrown out the window. Men that I was supposed to beat, I was in front of, but other guys wer didn't expect moved up. That's how the race went, everyone on our team came out and did something exceptional, men and women."
 
Cavanagh earned her second-straight All-Region selection after breaking her own program record by besting last year's 10th-place finish. Williams also notched her second All-Region nod and improved last year's performance by seven spots.
 
"I had the highest of hopes, but in the end once the stats are cemented in history I have to be proud of what we did and leave the dreams for future races," said SUNY New Paltz coach Aislinn Ryan. "We made program history and set the tone for what is possible for other cross country Hawks in the future."
 
SUNY Geneseo and RPI placed first and second overall on both the men's and women's sides, respectively. St. Lawrence came in third for the men, followed by Ithaca, SUNY Oneonta, Ramapo, TCNJ, Rochester, Rowan and RIT to round out the top-10. For the women, the Bombers placed third, followed by the Yellowjackets, Vassar, the Tigers, Saints, Hamilton and then the Hawks.
 
Teams and individuals who qualify for the Division III NCAA National Championship meet will be announced Sunday. The race is scheduled for Nov. 23 at E.P. Tom Swayer State Park in Louisville, KY.

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