HARTFORD, Conn. — The Roger Williams University men's cross-country team is set to take the next step in its 2026 campaign this Saturday, October 31, as the Hawks travel to Keney Park in Hartford, Conn., for the Conference of New England (CNE) Championship.
The Hawks enter the conference championship following a season highlighted by consistent performances and a strong showing at the James Earley Invitational, where Roger Williams secured a season-best second-place finish among 13 teams.
After opening the season with a third-place team to finish at the University of Hartford Invitational, the Hawks continued to build momentum throughout the fall. Roger Williams also competed at the UMass Dartmouth Cross Country Invitational and the Paul Short Run, hosted by Lehigh University, before turning in its strongest team performance of the season at the James Earley Invitational.
Hawks Build Momentum Behind Strong Leadership
Senior captain Nathan Evans (Lincoln, R.I.) has helped lead the way for Roger Williams throughout the season, providing experience and consistency as the Hawks prepare for their biggest test of the fall.
At the James Earley Invitational, Evans paced the Hawks with an eighth-place overall finish in the 8K, crossing the line in 26:13.8. Sophomore Cole Walker (Cumberland, R.I.) followed closely behind in ninth place with a time of 26:17.0, recording a personal best.
Senior Kyle Tarpy (Haverhill, Mass.) also delivered a strong performance, finishing 19th overall in 26:46.7. First-year Grady Steele (Wolfeboro, N.H.) rounded out the Hawks' top finishers, placing 26th in 27:10.4 while recording a personal best.
Tarpy and Henry McCormack (Melrose, Mass.) have also been among the contributors helping the Hawks navigate the season and prepare for the conference championship.
Looking Ahead to the CNE Championship
Roger Williams will now turn its attention to the CNE Championship, where the Hawks will look to carry their late-season momentum into a competitive conference field. With a season-best runner-up finish behind them and a group of experienced leaders setting the pace, the Hawks will look to put together a strong team performance at Keney Park.
The CNE Championship is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, in Hartford, Conn., hosted by the University of Hartford.
