Stonehill XC Striding Towards Conference Title

By Preslee Welu

The Stonehill College men's and women's cross-country teams have been making strides this season, showcasing the discipline, hard work, and perseverance that have become evident to the program's success. With impressive performances, strong upperclassman leadership, and high expectations for the upcoming NEC Championships, both teams are looking to make this season one to remember.

Head coach Karen Boen, who has been coaching for 30 years, has expressed tremendous pride in her athletes and the progress they have made throughout the season. "The men's team is performing as good as I could possibly expect them to," Boen said. "We have a lot of great senior leadership up front."

Seniors Brendan Wilder, Dylan Brilliant, Ian Bubar, and Ryan Pereira have been particularly influential in leading the men's team this season. Their experience and dedication have helped set the tone for the younger athletes, many of whom are still adjusting to the demands of collegiate competition.

Boen emphasized that the transition from high school to college cross country is not always easy, especially with the increased racing distances and training expectations. "When high school kids come into college, it's a big adjustment," Boen said.

Despite these challenges, the men's team has continued to deliver impressive results. One of the team's most notable performances came at the Paul Short Invitational, a nationally recognized meet featuring some of the country's most competitive collegiate runners. Stonehill competed in the highest of four racing divisions, facing a field of 38 teams.

Although Wilder, the team's top runner this season, was unable to compete due to illness, the Skyhawks demonstrated their determination, finishing 22nd overall. "That was a great testimony to what they did on a very hot day," Boen said. "We have so much depth and commitment from every guy on the team."

Boen also highlighted the demanding schedules her athletes manage, balancing academics with rigorous training. "They work so incredibly hard balancing 85 miles a week on top of classes," she said.

The men's team also found success at the UMass Dartmouth meet, where they earned a convincing first-place finish against competition from NCAA Divisions I, II, and III. "They are a very good team of individuals," Boen said. "I have very high expectations for them and so far, they are doing great!"

On the women's side, leadership has also played an important role in shaping the team's season. Emily Young, Jordan Malloy, Iasmim De Sousa-Vieira, and Mallory Hildreth have emerged as key leaders, helping guide their teammates through the challenges of the season.

Unfortunately, the women's team missed an important opportunity to test itself at the Paul Short Invitational after the afternoon races were canceled due to excessive heat. Boen had viewed the meet as a valuable chance to evaluate where the women's team stood against strong competition. Although the cancellation was disappointing, her confidence in the group remains high with conference championships approaching.

Beyond individual performances and race results, Boen believes one of the program's greatest strengths is the environment the athletes have built together. "Our team culture on both sides is fabulous," Boen said. 

Boen recognizes when a group of athletes has the potential to accomplish something memorable. "I've been coaching for 30 years, and I've been saying this season is the season this team could set themselves up for something special," she said.

As the NEC Championships draw closer, expectations remain high for both the men's and women's teams. While Boen recognizes that anything can happen on race day, she believes her athletes have positioned themselves to compete for conference titles.

She acknowledged that Central Connecticut State has historically been a dominant force in the conference for both men and women, making the program one of Stonehill's biggest challenges heading into the championship meet.

Still, Boen made it clear that her teams are not simply hoping to finish near the top. She believes both groups have their sights set on winning, noting that "both teams would feel very disappointed with second place."

For Boen, however, the meaning of the season extends far beyond championship finishes and individual times. She hopes the Stonehill community recognizes the dedication that cross country athletes bring to their sport every day. "Our sport is just so pure," Boen said.

"They're not just out there running every day, the intensity these people bring and the pride that Stonehill should have in them is incredible."As both teams prepare for one of their biggest challenges of the season, Boen's admiration for her athletes remains evident.

"They are really just a special group of people," she said. "I have the utmost respect for every one of them."

With strong leadership, a dedicated team culture, and the possibility of conference success ahead, Stonehill cross country has plenty to be proud of as the season reaches its most important stretch.