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Men's Cross Country Season-in-Review
American Enjoys Successful First Season in the Patriot League

Nov. 13, 2001

WASHINGTON -- The American cross country team began its first season in the Patriot League looking to get off to a good start. The Eagles did just that and left an impression of things to come in future seasons.

The Eagles had two All-League selections at the Patriot League meet in Hamilton, N.Y. Sophomores Frank Malpigli and Matt Seymour earned the honors by finishing fourth and sixth respectively at the Patriot League meet. Junior Sean O’Brien finished 12th in the meet, just missing All-League honors.

The Eagles placed third in their first Patriot League meet behind Army and Bucknell. This strong showing was helped by the freshman duo of Sean Duffy and Patrick MacAdie who finished 22nd and 24th in the League. Junior Chad Young and sophomore Carlos Hunt also ran at the Patriot League meet and finished in 41st and 45th place respectively.

The Eagles took the top three places in two consecutive meets on the way to team titles at the George Mason Fall Classic and the Maryland Invitational. Malpigli, O’Brien, and Seymour led the way for American in both of these meets with O’Brien winning the George Mason Fall Classic in 25:34.66.

Malpigli had an outstanding season which included finishing in the top-15 in every race as well as a first place finish at the Maryland Invitational in a time of 26:01.02. Malpigli’s victory helped earn him co-ECAC Player of the Week honors for the week of October 17.

Seymour had an impressive sophomore campaign, finishing out of the top ten only once all season. He finished third at both the George Mason Fall Classic and the Maryland Invitational. At the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional, Seymour placed ninth in the race, just missing a bid to the NCAA Championship.

In addition to his victory at George Mason, O’Brien placed second at the Maryland Invitational in 26:16.59. He was the second American finisher at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional, placing 46th.