Brookville, NY -- The NEC's all-time winningest men's cross country program delivered its latest statement win on the biggest stage.
Led by NEC individual champion and Outstanding Performer James Sullivan (Redding, CT/Immaculate), Central Connecticut ran away from the field to win its 11th NEC title, the most in conference annals. The Blue Devils, who enjoyed a record nine-year NEC reign from 2009-17, had last won the crown back in 2021.
The meet was contested on LIU's campus in Brookville, NY.
CCSU sported five of the top-seven finishers to finish with 19 points, which was the best performance at the meet since the Blue Devils swept the top-five spots for a record 15-point showing back in 2014.
Merrimack was the runner-up with 65 points, while Stonehill took third with 75 points. 2022 NEC champion Wagner recorded 80 points on its way to a fourth place finish.
Sullivan crossed the finish line in 25:12.70. almost eight seconds ahead of the 82-harrier field. It marked his third top-ten finish at the event.
CCSU teammate Samuel Whittaker (Salem, CT/East Lyme), a two-time NEC Athlete of the Week, followed in second place, clocking in at 25:20.60 as one of four Blue Devils in the top-five. NEC Freshaman of the Year and two-time NEC Rookie of the Week Aidan Budge (Newton, CT/Newtown) took fourth in 25:32.80 and Eddie Nicholas (Woodbury, CT/Nonnewaug) rounded out the top-five, crossing the line in 25:36.00. Veteran Yankarlos Diaz (Manchester, CT/Manchester) placed in 25:43.50 as the fifth runner in the top-ten from CCSU.
Top Merrimack finisher Ryan Dyer (Smithfield, RI/Bishop Hendricken) placed 11th in 25:58.90 and was one of five Merrimack runners in the top-15.
Colin Black (Hopedale, MA / Hopedale) paced Stonehill with a sixth place finish with a a time of 25:40.00.
Wagner was led by Dominic Palermo (Staten Island, NY/St. Joseph By The Sea) finished third for the second consecutive year and posted the fourth top-ten finish of his career, navigating the course in 25:29.80.
2023 NEC Men's Cross Country Final Results
1. CCSU - 19
2. Merrimack - 65
3. Stonehill - 75
4. Wagner - 80
5. Sacred Heart - 166
6. LIU - 179
7. Saint Francis U - 210
8. Le Moyne - 213
9. FDU - 246
2023 NEC Men's Cross Country All-Conference Team
NEC Outstanding Performer: James Sullivan, CCSU
NEC Freshman of the Year: Aidan Budge, CCSU