Keene State harriers set for Little East championship on Saturday

KEENE, N.H. 10/27/10 – The Keene State women will be looking to continue its dominance while the Owl men have their sights set on regaining the team title at the Little East Conference cross country championships that take place at Moore State Park in Worcester on Saturday. The men’s race starts at 11 a.m. while the gun for the women’s race goes off at noon.

The Owl women will be racing for their 11th straight championship. Keene State has dominated the decade winning the crown every year since 2000.  KSC Coach Peter Thomas said the women will have little trouble defending their championship on Saturday.  “They should win it hands down,” he said.  “We’re hoping for a five runner sweep.”

Returning to the trails after a week off, Keene State, ranked seventh regionally, will be led by Keene native Paige Mills. Mills, a three-time LEC runner of the week, likes the Owls’ chances on Saturday. “We have a little legacy and want to keep it going,” she said.

Junior Andrea Walsh (Bolton, Conn.), senior Amy Knoblock (Plymouth, Mass.), sophomore Maggie Fitter (Branford, Conn.), and junior Haley Lydstone (Bedford, N.H.) are expected to join Mills in Keene State’s lead pack.

The Keene State men will once again battle Southern Maine for LEC bragging right.  After claiming nine consecutive LEC championships from 1997 to 2005, KSC relinquished the title to the Huskies in 2006 and 2007.  The Owls regained the crown in 2008 and USM came back to win last year’s championship.

The Owls, ranked 26th nationally and fourth in New England, should have little trouble out-distancing themselves from USM on Saturday.  “I’d be surprised if we don’t win.” said Thomas.  “Southern Maine has dropped off and we’re running well.  The guys want to win it back.”

Keene State lead pack includes senior Eric MacKnight (Newtown, Conn.), a three-time LEC runner of the week along with senior Tim Pipp (Keene, N.H., junior Kevin Hoyt (Newtown, Conn.), junior Andrew Sears (Derry, N.H.), and senior Corey Loonan (Sandwich, Mass.).

Both Owl teams should benefit from racing on the hilly and slow Moore State Park Course.  “It’s a hilly course, but we’re completely ready for it,” said Mills.  “It will be good preparation for the NCAA regional race which is also on a tough, hilly course. If we do well on Saturday, it will help to boost our confidence.”