Ephs win 22nd straight Little Three title at Amherst

Complete Results

AMHERST, MA -- Driving rain, a broken-down bus, and even several falls into shin-deep mud were not enough to stop the Ephs in their quest for another Little Three Championship. Despite battling unfavorable racing conditions, Edgar Kosgey led the Ephmen to their 22nd straight Little Three title by taking first in the Little Three championship meet held at Amherst. The Ephs won with a team score of 25, followed by Amherst (35) and Wesleyan (64).

The Little Three Championships are an annual cross-country contest between close rivals Williams, Amherst, and Wesleyan. The course changes every year as teams alternate hosting the meet; this year it was Amherst's turn. To say that this is a meet the Ephmen look forward to each year would be dramatic understatement. Spurred on by letters from alumni, spirited cross-campus runs while yelling team chants, and a burning desire to not be the team that ends the streak, adrenaline and excitement flow plentifully throughout the team in the week approaching the meet.

At first it seemed as if a cruel twist of fate would weaken the Ephs chances of repeat. Just minutes before the scheduled departure time from campus coach Pete Farwell received word that the team bus had broken down. The Ephs quickly scurried into two vans to get the majority of the team to the race. Weather also threatened to play a determining role. Muddy turns, rough terrain, wind, and rain can all serve as equalizers, especially in a small meet. Plus there was the matter of Amherst desperately wanting to steal the title on their home course.

Edgar Kosgey '10 would have none of it. Kosgey left with the lead group and never looked back, winning in 25:46. The Ephs 2-5 runners worked together brilliantly and finished within eleven seconds of one another. Their combined effort was enough to ensure another year would be added to the streak. Just for perspective, one of the Eph seniors, Sam Blackshear, turned twenty-two on the same day as the streak. Many Ephs weren't yet born when the streak started.

Credit coach Pete Farwell for preparing the team to race strongly. Despite several setbacks due to injury and illness, the Ephs entered the meet confident in their training thanks to Coach Farwell's positive voice and smart training plan. Also credit captains Corey Watts '10 and Connor Kamm '10 for bringing the team even closer and setting the tone for the entire team. When the field loop, with its rolling hills and thick grass, was torn up and muddied by heavy rain, the Ephs stayed patient and worked together. When Amherst's top two tried to make a move in the middle of the race, the Ephs fought back to maintain position. Even after several rough falls into deep mud, the Eph men recovered quickly to rejoin the battle. This team does not lack heart.

In another week, another championship, with the NESCAC Championships set to determine the best of the eleven small schools in the conference. But for now, another year, another Little Three Championship. May the Thompson Chapel bells ring twenty-two times!