THROGGS NECK, N.Y. (Oct. 27, 2009) – Maritime runner Laura Wasson has been named Skyline Conference Runner of the Week for the second time this season. According to the press release from the Skyline Conference on Monday, “SUNY Maritime College junior Laura Wasson was the top Skyline Conference finisher at the 5K St. Joseph's College Invitational. Wasson placed sixth overall in the field of 95 competitors with a time of 22:58. Finishing with a 7:24 pace, she was one of just six competitors to clock in under 23:00.”

 

“Laura continues to improve her time each week,” said women's coach Jennifer DiGaetano. “She did an amazing job, crossing the finish line before any of the St. Joe's women. I am looking forward to seeing what Wasson is going to bring on Sunday.”

 

On the men's side, freshman Sam Rainard was named the Skyline Conference Rookie of the Week, also for the second time this year. According to the Skyline press release, “SUNY Maritime College freshman Sam Rainard (Wheaton, Md./Our Lady of Good Counsel) turned in a strong performance at the St. Joseph's Invitational, finishing fourth with a time of 29:39. Rainard, who was the top freshman finisher in the race, helped the Privateers to a second-place team finish behind Skyline-rival Farmingdale State.”

 

“Rainard ran a great race on a challenging course,” commented men's head coach, Jim Driscoll.  “He has really matured into an outstanding collegiate runner and I think the sky is the limit for him.”

 

Wasson and Rainard will lead their respective teams into the Skyline Conference Championship meets this weekend at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. The women's race starts at noon and the men's race starts at 1 p.m.