BEVERLY, Mass. — The Conference of New England announced Monday that Roger Williams University men's cross country senior captain Nathan Evans (Lincoln, R.I.) has been named the CNE Runner of the Week following a standout performance at the University of Hartford XC Invitational on Saturday morning at Keney Park.
Evans delivered a strong individual performance in the 5K, crossing the finish line in 16:28.8 to place 10th overall. His performance helped lead the Hawks to a strong third-place team finish with 95 points in their first major test of the 2026 season.
Evans at Hartford
Evans set the pace for Roger Williams in the 5K, finishing 10th overall with his time of 16:28.8. The senior captain's performance provided a strong foundation for the Hawks as they battled throughout the field at Keney Park.
With Evans leading the way, Roger Williams collected 95 points to secure third place as a team, opening the season with a strong showing against a competitive field.
Building on a Stong 2025 Season
Evans enters his senior season looking to build on one of the strongest campaigns of his collegiate career. In 2025, he posted a season-best 25:46.4 to finish 31st at the NCAA Mideast Regional after placing second at the CNE Championship in 25:48.1.
He also opened the season with a 25:59.0 at UMass Dartmouth before carrying his success onto the track. Evans recorded personal bests of 8:49.50 in the 3000 meters and 4:04.83 in the 1500 meters, while winning the 3000-meter steeplechase at the Silfen Invitational in 9:36.68. He also posted a 15:32.41 in the 5000 meters during a strong spring campaign.
Evans Earns All-Region Recognition
Evans' standout 2025 season earned him All-Region honors, while he was also nominated to the CNE All-Conference First Team. Now serving as a senior captain for the Hawks, Evans will look to use his experience to help guide Roger Williams throughout the 2026 season.
Strong Start Sets the Tone
Evans' 10th-place finish and 16:28.8 performance helped Roger Williams open the season with a third-place team finish at Hartford. The CNE Runner of the Week honor adds another accolade to Evans' growing list of accomplishments as he looks to continue setting the pace for the Hawks.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Evans and the Hawks return to action on Saturday, September 19, at the UMass Dartmouth Cross Country Invitational in North Dartmouth, Mass. The JV race is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., followed by the varsity race at 11:20 a.m.
