Falcons Boast Largest Roster in Program History

COURTESY OF MATT STEWART - SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE 

FITCHBURG, Mass. - The Fitchburg State University women's cross country team hovered around the middle of the MASCAC last season, but with a 20-women roster -- the largest in program history -- and high expectations, the Falcons are looking to make some noise come conference championship time.

Fitchburg State garnered the third-place ranking in last week's preseason MASCAC coaches poll, and will open the season Saturday when it hosts the Jim Sheehan Memorial Alumni Invitational Meet at Doyle Community Park in Leominster.

"We're tied for third in the rankings, and we're right behind the two teams that beat us last year," Fitchburg State head coach Jamie Aubuchon said. "Third place is certainly our goal, and we have a strong group of returners who are coming in at the moment in the best shape of their lives. I'm very happy with how the veterans have come back, and we're adding some new pieces that can help out, as well."

Westfield State picked up the most votes in the preseason poll, followed by Bridgewater State. Fitchburg State, which finished fifth in the MASCAC last year, enters the preseason in a three-way tie for third with Framingham State and Worcester State.

"Framingham snuck by us last year," Aubuchon said. "We beat them before the league meet and after it, but they edged us in the MASCAC meet. We're looking forward to a good, three-way battle with our rivals Worcester and Framingham."

The top of the Falcon roster comes from a somewhat unlikely leader.

Underclassmen usually have to wait their turn, but that is not the case for Falcon sophomore Nicole Gaffney. The Wachusett Regional graduate is leading the pack to start the season, and could contest for a podium spot come MASCAC championship time.

"Gaffney is very confident going into the season because she now has a year of college under her belt," Aubuchon said. "In addition to that she lives just a couple of minutes from Worcester State's course, where the conference meet is, and she's been training there all season long. She's very excited to prove herself at the MASCACs."

There are three athletes all vying for the second-place spot on the team, where the top five score points and the next two displace competitors.

Junior Sadie Zbikowski, an Oakmont Regional grad, is right in the hunt for the second spot, coming into her own through her college career.

"Zbikowski did run cross country in high school, but didn't make a big name for herself," Aubuchon said. "She emerged last year as a pole vault star and this is really only her second collegiate year of cross country running. Last year she was like our No. 5 or No. 6 runner, and this year she's much improved."

Senior captain Jessica Mangan shows the power of determination and patience, running all four years in the program and now earning a top-five spot on the team.

"Mangan has made great progress every year," Aubuchon said. "Last year she came off of a personal record in the 10k, and she's starting off this season in the best shape of her life, too. She's gained confidence as she goes, and she's excited about the season."

Shawna Ryan is another athlete capable of breaking into the top three, although her focus during the track season is in the mile and 3k. Ryan's speed should help in the 5k races she takes part in during the cross country season.

First-year sophomore Casey Taylor is a runner to look out for. Taylor is a transfer from Marquette University, where she did not run, but Aubuchon thinks by the end of the season she could be in the top three.

"Taylor is coming off of some time off from running," Aubuchon said.

"She's going to get back near the top."

Molly Atkinson is a true freshman who has a good chance to break into the top seven, and is a true athlete, competing in the pentathlon during the track season.

Jenna Phelps has a similar skill set and is currently in the top seven.

Holly Wentworth from Maine is another first-year runner with a lot of potential.

"It's going to be a battle to make the top seven," Aubuchon said. "There's really no clear-cut favorite between the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth runners."

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