New Britain, CT- Mercyhurst Cross Country will compete in their first NEC Championship on Friday, November 1st. The women's 5k will kick off the meet at 11:00 AM and the men's 8k is set to start at 12:00 PM.

Laker Outlook 

The Lakers have had an incredible season thus far, placing at the top of numerous meets. Their hard work now comes down to one more meet, as they wrap up their season with their first-ever NEC Championship. The women's team is coming off a successful stretch of races, as they had a season-best place of 2nd at the Penn State Behrend Invitational and recently placed 8th at the Carnegie Mellon Invitational. Throughout the season, the Lakers have been led by freshman Caitlin Dugan, who was just recently named NEC Rookie of the Week and has been named an NEC Prime Performer three times this season. Mercyhurst is also led by sophomore Kaila Szczygielski and senior captain Mikaela LeBaron, who have consistently improved throughout the season and propelled the team to success because of their hard work and leadership. The reason for victory does not stop there, as the entire team has continually built on each other's success throughout the season with many women running personal bests. The men's team has also had an incredible season, as they won the Penn State Behrend Invitational earlier this season, and just recently placed 5th at the Carnegie Mellon Invitational. The Lakers have continually been led by graduate student Alec Bidwell, who has been named an NEC Prime Performer three times this season. Mercyhurst has also been led by freshmen Xavier Mohamed and Sawyer Bonnett, who have been diligent and incredible additions to the team. The recipe for success also includes the rest of the men's team, as many of them have run personal bests and continually put their best foot forward. 

Head Coach Mike Williamson has expressed enthusiasm about the Lakers' upcoming meet. "We are excited to be the first team to represent Mercyhurst in an NEC Championship event. Both teams are coming off of a healthy and consistent training block throughout the Fall and we are looking forward to the competition level at the Conference Championship race!", said Williamson. 

Both races will be aired live on NEC Front Row. To watch Friday's action, click here.