HARTFORD, Conn. – The Roger Williams University men's cross country team opened its 2026 campaign with a strong third-place finish Saturday morning at the University of Hartford XC Invitational at Keney Park.
The Hawks finished with 95 points, placing third among the field behind Connecticut and Southern Connecticut State University.
Evans Leads the Way
Senior captain Nathan Evans (Lincoln, R.I.) paced the Hawks in the season opener, finishing 10th overall in the 5K with a time of 16:28.8.
Evans was followed closely by first-year Chris Campbell (Avon, Conn.), who turned in an impressive collegiate debut by crossing the finish line 16th overall in 16:41.6.
First-year Henry McCormack (Melrose, Mass.) continued the strong showing for the Hawks, placing 22nd overall in 16:52.7, while sophomore Cole Walker (Cumberland, R.I.) finished just one spot behind him in 23rd with a time of 16:55.9.
Hawks Pack the Top 35
Senior captain Kyle Tarpy (Haverhill, Mass.) rounded out RWU's top five scorers, placing 31st overall in 17:10.4. Tarpy also recorded a personal best in the season-opening 5K.
First-year Grady Steele (Wolfeboro, N.H.) continued the Hawks' strong presence near the front of the field, finishing 34th overall in 17:18.7.
The Hawks then saw sophomore Andrew Frenette (Dighton, Mass.) cross in 45th at 17:40.6, followed by senior Josh Soucy (Manchester, N.H.) in 48th at 17:45.1. Soucy also recorded a personal best.
Depth on Display
Roger Williams continued to showcase its depth throughout the field, with junior Oliver Polster (Wakefield, Mass.) finishing 51st in 17:49.3 and first-year Samuel Matson (Hudson, N.H.) placing 54th in 17:54.7.
First-year Ethan Barossi (Walpole, Mass.) followed in 58th at 18:03.4, while sophomore Colin Marsanico (Floral Park, N.Y.) finished 60th in 18:07.6, also recording a personal best.
The Hawks continued to receive contributions throughout the lineup, with first-year Kevin DeFeudis (Barnstable, Mass.) finishing 65th in 18:26.6, junior Gabriel Huff (Ledyard, Conn.) placing 69th in 18:34.3, and first-year Andrew McDowell (Durham, Conn.) crossing in 70th at 18:34.9.
Junior Vedanth Penumatsa finished 73rd in 18:44.6, while first-year Michael Walsh (Newbury, Mass.) rounded out RWU's top group by placing 81st in 18:58.4.
Strong Start to 2026
The third-place finish gives the Hawks an early boost as they begin their championship pursuit in 2026. With a veteran core led by captains Evans and Tarpy combined with an impressive group of first-year runners, RWU showed its depth and potential in its first test of the season.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Roger Williams returns to action on Saturday, September 19, traveling to North Dartmouth, Mass., for the UMass Dartmouth Cross Country Invitational. The Hawks are scheduled to begin racing at 10:30 a.m.
