The Wolfpack cross country team started sprinting at the sound of the gun, and are not looking back.

They, however, have something very important to learn first, according to Andy Canegitta, head cross country coach.

“They need to learn how to run the race. I think they were just pumped up to start their first race and they just need to plan their race strategy,” he said.

“They need to learn how to race, period.”

In their first meet, the Radisson Hotel Wolfpack Invitational, the Lady Wolfpack won the team title.

Twenty six points was all the ‘Pack needed to come out on top on a rainy Saturday morning in Lafreniere Park, one step closer to completing their goal.

“We want to improve on last year’s conference place. Winning conference is our goal,” Canegitta said.

He has confidence in the women to achieve this goal, but on the men’s side he is only hoping for first place.

“On the girls side I think it’s possible. On the guy’s side it’s a little bit tougher. We have a lot of work to do,” he said.

“We can’t really afford to make any mistakes on the guys side. It’s going to be tough to beat Xavier, but I think we’ll be a strong second,” Canegitta said.

The coach was pleased with the team’s result, but there was one thing that made him feel even better.

“We beat Xavier for the first time since 2005, so that has to count for something,” Canegitta said.

This result, however, does not mean that there is nothing they can improve on, but it does make the coach feel better about the direction his team is headed.

“We still have a lot to do. The guy’s improved from last year’s last place finish,” Canegitta said. “They have a long way to go, but they showed some progress.”

Canegitta is also pleased with the effort the team is putting on during practices, and meets, helping each other out, something he believes can lead to positive results from the team.

“They work as a whole, keep it as a pack. Work together. Press hard. We’re doing everything we can to get better and stronger,” he said.

“They’re working hard, pressing each other and encouraging each other. They’re doing a great job as a whole,” he said.

He also placed more responsibility on Lauren Fereday, biology sophomore, the team captain. Canegitta wants her to use her experience to lead the team.

“Lauren’s one of our team captain’s. Her experience from last year is helping her guide the freshman class, showing them the ropes,” he said. “There’s things she knows that help the other runners out.”

On the men’s side, that role would belong to Chris Kelliher, psychology sophomore. He, however, has not been able to help that much.
“CJ is injured right now, so he hasn’t been involved with the team as much, but we’re expecting him to come back at one hundred percent and help the team,” Canegitta said.

Canegitta believes the team will go far because of their strong work ethic, which leads to them working hard, along with their willingness to learn as they go.

Eduardo Gonzalez can be reached at [email protected]