OXC Men at 2014 Atlantic Regionals

OXC didn't win the first 100 meters, but turned it up when it counted!

This morning the college my son runs for, Oneonta State, participated in the Atlantic Regional Championships held this year in our neck of the woods, Rochester, New York. This was the second time this seasons the team had competed on the course. While I suspect the lads felt some disappointment following their team performance two weeks ago at SUNYACs, it was clear early on that the real Red Dragons came into this meet very focused. The weather was crisp (about 38°F but feeling cooler), but the sunshine and energy from the teams and fans would not allow for the meet to be anything but a celebratory one.

Once agin, the SUNY Oneonta Athletic department's website has a terrific wrap-up article for the hard core details. I tried to my best to get around and get pictures, though it can be difficult being an engaged fan (cheering and paying attention to your team) and take pictures. Events such as today's are to be watched and savored, so that was the approach I took for much of the race.

Coach Angelo Posillico gives some final suggestions to the lads as they complete
run-outs at the line.

Getting ready to go!

The support and respect each squad has for the other is impressive.

The athletes came over a slight hill like a wave.

The largest crowd I'd experienced at a college xc meet, vocal and positive!

My son and his mustache went out at a good clip; his teammate running
with him demonstrated early on that they would work as a pack.

Oneonta's top runner all season, Anthony Lupia, came through with another
bad-a**, team-leading performance!

One-two-three Red Dragons following the plan: work together!

Solid.

Sophomore David Busby (center) put in a very confident performance at today's meet,
the best of his season.

Still near the top of the lead pack, Lupia holds off the competition.

Left to right, Busby, seniors Mike Didas and Charles Remillard, with Jack
right behind, run on guts to keep the pack together. 

Oddly the mustache actually contributes to positive aerodynamics here!

Anthony Lupia finishes 14th overall to lead the team to a fifth place finish!

Coach Angelo congratulates the entire team for putting together the school's best showing ever!

Scott, Busby, Didas and Remillard following their big stones runs.

Great to see so many Section V guys in the races doing great things.

The O-State fans traveled to cheer on their Red Dragons!

OXC alum and beard legend Tom Haskins (center) turns out to cheer on the Red Dragons!

Whiel this could be tejh final race of this very successful season, there is still a chance the team coudl recieve one of 16 at-large berths for the NCAA championships next weekend. A total of 32 teams make the championships with 16 of the berths being automatic from the top-two teams in each of the eight regional meets. Either way, today was a beautiful way to onclude (and celebrate) a wonderful OXC season!