Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

XC Blog: Mark Hannagan Writes During Championship Run

Posted: Nov 20, 2013

November 20th

After a long day of traveling, the Wilmington University men's cross country team finally made it to Spokane, Washington, home of the 2013 NCAA DII Cross Country Championship. The team arrived a few days early in order to see and run the course, as they will be covering 10k (6.2miles) within the race.

After we got settled in we did a team run and explored Spokane and Gonzaga University, which is less than a quarter mile away. Following our run we walked to dinner and then went to the Gonzaga vs. Eastern Washington women's basketball game.

The team feels a little jet lagged due to the time change, which is a three hour difference. After a light breakfast we will be running the course tomorrow morning to figure out race strategies for Saturday.

November 21st

Today was a very busy day. The team got a quick breakfast down in the hotel lobby and then got dressed for the chilly 25 degree run. Before heading to the course for the run, we grabbed some essentials at the local Walmart and running stores. These essentials included Gatorade, water, Cliff Bars, fruit, hot chocolate, and Oreos. The one thing that doesn't change from state to state is the people you will find in Walmart.

At the shoe store, some of the team bought some longer spikes to put into their racing shoes as there is a possibility of rain on race day.

We arrived at Plantes Ferry Sports Complex, where Saturday's race will be held, around noon. The course is a few 2k loops and zigzags around soccer fields. It's mostly flat with some quick up and down hills, which will make the race fast. After running and previewing the course the guys feel comfortable and confident for the race.
After the run we made our way to a local park, John H. Shields Park, were we spent some time exploring and climbing some rocks. On top of the rock you could see most of Spokane and the Rocky Mountains that surround the city.
Finally, coach Keith "Endzone" Jones decided we should check out Idaho for somewhere to eat for dinner. You may ask the same question as we did, "what is in Idaho?" The answer to that question is…nothing. After an hour of walking around Coeur D'Alene we found a nice little restaurant called Moon Time. After a delicious dinner we drove back to get some sleep since we have an early morning ahead of us filled with pre-race day meetings and routines.
November 22nd
Today is all about the team staying off their feet as much as possible since the big race is tomorrow morning. The team woke up early this morning in order to drive to the course for race packet pick up. We got our race bibs and assignments. Tomorrow we will be toeing the line next to Western State, which is one of the favorites to win the whole thing. The guys aren't intimidated to start next to a team like Western State but are excited they get to race some of the best runners in the nation. Their thought is that we may not win it all but the experience will only benefit us for next year.
Once we got back to the hotel the team took a quick run along the Spokane River. The sights around the river can be described in one word: beautiful. Along the river you can still see the remnants of the old industrial town slowly transforming into a booming urbanized city. The city is still surrounded by pine trees and nature, which makes Spokane different from any city you can find on the east coast.
There isn't much to do in Spokane. We've asked many of the locals what there is to do and often they are as stumped as us. The one thing Spokane does have is a multitude of movie theaters. We took advantage of this and went and saw the new Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Personally I am not a die hard Hunger Games fan so lets say some of us were more excited than others to see the movie.
Tonight will be a early bed time as there is a lot to do on the morning of race day like a short shakeout run, small breakfast, stretching, and driving to the course. Race day conditions are calling for below freezing temperatures and sunny. The boys are getting excited but remaining focused, as tomorrow will be the biggest and fastest race they've ever been in.
November 23rd
The boys are getting focused the morning of as they listen to music to pump them up. Captain Mike O'Brian watches Taylor Swift music video, not because he really likes her music but because he likes girls with blonde hair. Jesus Amezquita gets pumped up by listening to Shakira's, "Hips Don't Lie."
Unfortunately today was not Wilmington University's day. Unlike many of the teams there, today was Wilmington University's first ever national appearance. We knew the caliber of runners that were running today, but we didn't know the strategy running that would happen. The race went out well under five minute pace for the first mile. The guys are used to going out this fast, however, the pace never slowed and only got faster from there. The guys were upset with how they finished overall but know that next year they will know what to expect.
Now it's time for the team to celebrate after a long, successful season, but before we celebrate we reflect on the how the team did this year. This year we had much success, but it still was a very big learning year for all of us. Freshmen Ken Fontal has never raced any distance over 5k and today he raced a 10k. He had many ups and down this year but he made the races that matter count as he finished fifth at CACCs and was named CACC Freshmen of the Year.  Matt Mossman had an excellent race today and also has come through for the team at CACC and East Regional Championship with a late race push. Richie Mitten and Jesus Amezquita have led the team all year as top finishes for Wilmington. Both Mitten and Amezquita will be returning next year and will be putting in the work this spring and summer to make All-American next fall. Graduate student Marshall Hawkins will also be returning next year. Personally, Hawkins had an excellent race today and hopes he will continue to improve next year. Tyler Muse has been a staple to the team's top five and overall work ethic. He had a shaky race, but he takes away experience from today for next year. Finally, the team will say goodbye to Captain Michael O'Brian. During the past two years O'Brian has helped the team to two CACC team championships, two regional berths, and an NCAA national appearance.
The team hopes to take experience from today and set new and higher goals for next year as it hopes to make its second national appearance in 2014. Next year, Wilmington University has a shot at coming into the season ranked nationally in the Top 25. The team has a new drive and determination in their eyes after seeing what is needed to be one of the best in the country.
 

2013 Wilmington University Men's Cross Country

1st CACC

3rd East Regional

30th NCAA DII Championships – 30th best cross country team in the country

All Sports
Fri May 03
Baseball
Final
at Goldey-Beacom L, 7-6
CACC Tournament -- First Round
Recap | Box Score | Video
Fri May 03
Softball
Final
vs. No. 3 Goldey-Beacom W, 4-3
2024 CACC Softball Championship (Game 5)
Recap | Box Score | Video
Fri May 03
Baseball
Final
at Goldey-Beacom L, 4-3
CACC Tournament -- First Round
Recap | Box Score | Video
Sat May 04
Softball
Final - 5 innings
vs. No. 2 Bridgeport W, 8-0
@ New Castle, Del. 2024 CACC Tournament Championship
Recap | Box Score
Sun May 05
Softball
Cancelled
vs. No. 2 Bridgeport
2024 CACC Tournament Championship
Recap | Live stats
Sun May 05
Men's Lacrosse
Final
vs. No. 2 Chestnut Hill L, 17-8
@ Orangeburg, N.Y. 2024 CACC Championship Game - #1 Wilmington vs #2 CHC (Hosted by Dominican University)
Recap | Box Score | Video
View Full Schedule
Sat Apr 27
Baseball
Final - 7 innings
vs. Goldey-Beacom L, 17-0
Recap | Box Score | Video
Sat Apr 27
Baseball
Final
vs. Goldey-Beacom W, 5-4
Recap | Box Score | Photos | Video
Sun Apr 28
Baseball
Cancelled
vs. Bloomfield
Sun Apr 28
Baseball
Cancelled
vs. Bloomfield
Fri May 03
Baseball
Final
at Goldey-Beacom L, 7-6
CACC Tournament -- First Round
Recap | Box Score | Video
Fri May 03
Baseball
Final
at Goldey-Beacom L, 4-3
CACC Tournament -- First Round
Recap | Box Score | Video
View Full Schedule
Sat Apr 27
Softball
Final
vs. Holy Family W, 2-0
2024 CACC Softball Championship First Round
Recap | Box Score | Photos | Video
Thu May 02
Softball
Final - 5 innings
vs. No. 4 Bloomfield W, 9-1
2024 CACC Softball Championship (Day 1 | Game 1)
Recap | Box Score | Photos | Video
Fri May 03
Softball
Final
vs. No. 2 Bridgeport L, 4-2
@ Wilmington University 2024 CACC Softball Championship (Game 4)
Recap | Box Score
Fri May 03
Softball
Final
vs. No. 3 Goldey-Beacom W, 4-3
2024 CACC Softball Championship (Game 5)
Recap | Box Score | Video
Sat May 04
Softball
Final - 5 innings
vs. No. 2 Bridgeport W, 8-0
@ New Castle, Del. 2024 CACC Tournament Championship
Recap | Box Score
Sun May 05
Softball
Cancelled
vs. No. 2 Bridgeport
2024 CACC Tournament Championship
Recap | Live stats
View Full Schedule
No events to show.
Wed Feb 14
Men's Basketball
Final
vs. Jefferson L, 96-88
Recap | Box Score | Photos | Video
Sat Feb 17
Men's Basketball
Final
vs. Dominican (N.Y.) W, 99-95
Recap | Box Score | Photos | Video
Tue Feb 20
Men's Basketball
Final
vs. Holy Family W, 92-84
Recap | Box Score | Photos | Video
Wed Feb 28
Men's Basketball
Final
vs. Georgian Court W, 95-61
Recap | Box Score | Photos | Video
Sat Mar 02
Men's Basketball
Final - OT
at Goldey-Beacom W, 99-91
Recap | Box Score | Video
Tue Mar 05
Men's Basketball
Final
at N#2 Post L, 79-77
2023-24 CACC Men's Basketball Championship Quarterfinals
Recap | Box Score | Video
View Full Schedule
Sat Feb 10
Women's Basketball
Final
at Post L, 89-69
Recap | Box Score | Video
Wed Feb 14
Women's Basketball
Final
vs. #3/5 Jefferson L, 70-40
Recap | Box Score | Photos | Video
Sat Feb 17
Women's Basketball
Final
vs. Dominican (N.Y.) L, 58-37
Recap | Box Score | Photos | Video
Tue Feb 20
Women's Basketball
Final
vs. Holy Family L, 69-47
Recap | Box Score | Photos | Video
Wed Feb 28
Women's Basketball
Final
vs. Georgian Court W, 62-58
Recap | Box Score | Video
Sat Mar 02
Women's Basketball
Final
at Goldey-Beacom L, 92-55
Recap | Box Score | Video
View Full Schedule
Sat Sep 24
Cross Country
M - 10:00 / W - 11:00
at Lock Haven University Invitational W - 29th/34; M - 23rd/34
West Branch XC Course - Lock Haven University - Lock Haven, Pa.
Recap | Results
Sat Oct 01
Cross Country
W - 2:00 / M - 2:45
at Don Cathcart Invitational W - 5th/9; M - 3rd/11
Winter Place Park - Salisbury University - Salisbury, Md.
Recap | Results
Sat Oct 15
Cross Country
W - 9:30 / M - 10:15
at Delaware Invitational W - 4th/7; M - 2nd/9
White Clay Creek State Park - University of Delaware - Newark, Del.
Recap | Results | Photos
Sat Oct 22
Cross Country
M - 10:00 / W - 11:20
at NCAA D2 National Preview W - 26th/29; M24th/27
Chambers Creek Regional Park - Seattle Pacific - University Place, Wash.
Recap | Results
Sun Oct 30
Cross Country
M - 9:00 / W - 10:00
at CACC Championship M - 3rd/13; W - 3rd/11
Belmont Plateau - CACC - Philadelphia, Pa.
Recap | Results | Photos | Video
Sat Nov 19
Cross Country
M - 12:00 pm / W - 1:15 pm
at NCAA Division II East Regional Championship M - 14th/21; W - 13th/19
Bethpage State Park - Adelphi University - Bethpage, N.Y.
Recap | Photos
View Full Schedule
Tue Sep 26
Golf
Round 3
at 13th Annual Jay Jennison Cup 9th/13
World Golf Village; Slammer and Squire - Flagler College - St. Augustine, Fla.
Recap | Results
Mon Oct 02
Golf
Rounds 1-2
at CACC Championship 4th/7
Watertown Golf Club - Post University - Watertown, Conn.
Recap | Results | Photos | Video
Tue Oct 03
Golf
Round 3
at CACC Championship 4th/7
Watertown Golf Club - Post University - Watertown, Conn.
Recap | Results | Video
Mon Oct 09
Golf
Rounds 1-2
at Post Invitational 11th/13
Watertown Golf Club - Post University - Watertown, Conn.
Results
Tue Oct 10
Golf
Round 3
at Post Invitational 11th/13
Watertown Golf Club - Post University - Watertown, Conn.
Recap | Results
Tue Oct 31
Golf
Round 3
at Citrus Intercollegiate Invitational 13th/13
Champions Gate - Nova Southeastern University - Orlando, Fla.
Results
View Full Schedule
No events to show.
Tue Apr 09
Women's Lacrosse
Final
at Georgian Court L, 12-8
Recap | Box Score | Video
Sun Apr 14
Women's Lacrosse
Final
vs. Dominican (N.Y.) L, 23-16
Recap | Box Score | Photos | Video
Thu Apr 25
Women's Lacrosse
Final
at Holy Family W, 17-6
Recap | Box Score | Video
Fri Apr 26
Women's Lacrosse
Final
vs. Caldwell W, 26-5
Senior Day
Recap | Box Score | Photos | Video
Mon Apr 29
Women's Lacrosse
Final
vs. No. 5 Bridgeport W, 18-7
2024 CACC Women's Lacrosse Championship First Round
Recap | Box Score | Photos | Video
Thu May 02
Women's Lacrosse
Final
at No. 1 Dominican (N.Y.) L, 20-6
2024 CACC Women's Lacrosse Championship Semifinal
Recap | Box Score | Video
View Full Schedule
Wed Oct 18
Men's Soccer
Final
vs. Chestnut Hill W, 2-0
Recap | Box Score | Photos | Video
Fri Oct 20
Men's Soccer
Final
at Caldwell L, 3-2
Recap | Box Score
Tue Oct 24
Men's Soccer
Final
vs. Georgian Court T, 1-1
Recap | Box Score | Video
Sat Oct 28
Men's Soccer
Final
at Felician W, 2-0
Recap | Box Score | Video ($$)
Wed Nov 01
Men's Soccer
Final
at Goldey-Beacom W, 4-2
Recap | Box Score | Video
Mon Nov 06
Men's Soccer
Final
vs. No. 5 Jefferson L, 2-1
2023 CACC Men's Soccer Championship Quarterfinals
Recap | Box Score | Photos | Video
View Full Schedule
Thu Oct 19
Women's Soccer
Final
at Mercy W, 3-1
Recap | Box Score | Video
Sun Oct 22
Women's Soccer
Final
at Caldwell T, 2-2
Recap | Box Score | Video
Wed Oct 25
Women's Soccer
Final
vs. Georgian Court W, 1-0
Recap | Box Score | Photos | Video
Sat Oct 28
Women's Soccer
Final
at Felician W, 3-0
Recap | Box Score | Video ($$)
Tue Oct 31
Women's Soccer
Final
at Goldey-Beacom W, 3-0
Recap | Box Score | Photos | Video
Sun Nov 05
Women's Soccer
Final
vs. No. 7 Bridgeport L, 4-0
2023 CACC Tournament - First Round
Recap | Box Score | Video
View Full Schedule
No events to show.
No events to show.
No Event
Sun May 05
Track & Field
at CACC Championships W - 5th/13; M - 5th/12
Track & Field Complex - Georgian Court University - Lakewood, N.J.
Recap | Results | Photos
Wed Apr 07
Track & Field
at Delaware State Hornets Sting Invite No Team Scoring
Alumni Stadium - Delaware State University - Dover, Del.
Recap | Results
Fri May 14
Track & Field
77 pts
at CACC Men's Championship 3rd/12
GCU Track and Field Complex - Georgian Court University - Lakewood, N.J.
Recap | Results | Photos | Video (Track) | Video (Throws) | Video (Javelin)
Sun May 16
Track & Field
42 pts
at CACC Women's Championship 7th/11
GCU Track and Field Complex - Georgian Court University - Lakewood, N.J.
Recap | Results | Photos | Video (Javelin) | Video (Throws) | Video (Track)
Sat Apr 06
Track & Field
at Colonial Relays W - 24th/24; M - 15th/26
Walter J. Zable Stadium at Cary Field - William and Mary - Williamsburg, Va.
Recap | Results
View Full Schedule
Sat Oct 28
Women's Volleyball
Final
at Dominican (N.Y.) W, 3-2
Recap | Box Score | Video
Thu Nov 02
Women's Volleyball
Final
at Goldey-Beacom W, 3-0
Recap | Box Score | Video
Sat Nov 04
Women's Volleyball
Final
vs. Caldwell W, 3-0
Recap | Box Score | Photos | Video
Thu Nov 09
Women's Volleyball
Final
at Jefferson L, 3-0
Recap | Box Score | Video
Tue Nov 14
Women's Volleyball
Final
at N#2 Felician W, 3-0
2023 CACC Women's Volleyball Championship Quarterfinals
Recap | Box Score | Video ($$)
Sat Nov 18
Women's Volleyball
Final
vs. S#1 Jefferson L, 3-1
@ Lakewood, NJ 2023 CACC Women's Volleyball Championship Semifinals
Recap | Box Score | Video
View Full Schedule