Cortland N.Y. -  SUNY Cortland has always been a successful Division III running program. Located in upstate New York,  Cortland's men's team has finished in the top 20 at the NCAA Div. III Championships the past three years and its women's team has finished in the top 20 in two of the last three years. Coach Steve Patrick is no stranger to success as well, being named the Division III Men's Cross Country National Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) in 2008 and SUNYAC Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year in 2010.  Pulling talent together from around the state, Patrick has been able to assemble a unique squad that uses the strength of its seniors while still nurturing the raw talent of its freshmen.  Recently, Cortland has been finding its stride; finishing first at its home meet, the Jack Daniels Shoot-Out, along with top performances at the Paul Short Invitational in Bethlehem, Pa., and the St. Lawrence Hoffmann Invitational (N.Y.).  We spoke with the top finishers from each race at the Jack Daniels Shoot-Out, senior Alyson Dalton (1st) and freshman Nick Marcantonio (2nd).  Both runners are native New York runners; Alyson is formerly of Vernon-Verona-Sherill and Nick recently graduated from Glens Falls.  Both runners have also since been named State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Cross Country Runners of the Week for impressive finishes.

Nick Marcantonio

How did you feel about your race at the Jack Daniels Invite?

Overall I was pleased with how we did as a team. I feel we ran well together as a pack in the first half of the race. As for me, I was happy with my performance.  The first 3 kilometers of the race I felt a little flat, but the last 3000 meters I started to come around and close some ground on the leader.

What made you choose SUNY Cortland to compete at?

I first visited Cortland last October for an open house after receiving a letter from the coaching staff, and that is where I first met Coach Patrick and (Assistant) Coach Henry. It was a brief visit with them at the time, but they seemed really enthusiastic about me joining the team, so from that point on I really wanted to get to know the coaching staff and the team better. In January, I went back for a recruiting visit where I got to meet the entire team, and talk with the coach Patrick and Henry more. I came to realize I was liking their coaching philosophy and training program more and more.  The team was also very welcoming, and from that weekend on I knew I was going to run for Cortland.   

How well did you make the transition to collegiate running, both in distance as well as coming into an pre-established team?

I've always loved longer races, so I knew that aspect of college running was going to go very well.  But the one thing that was a big change for me was the workouts being given to me. I never had done a single one of them in high school, as the races just were not that long.  I always ran high mileage in high school, however, so it was a really easy transition into such high intensity workouts. Not to mention, coach Patrick gave me and my fellow teammates a great summer training schedule. As for being a freshman again, it really has not bothered me.  The upper classmen are all great guys, and they make me feel welcome on the team. Plus, I like to have people to look up to again.

What are some of your goals in the next four years?

My major goals are to go to nationals in cross country and track, and become an All American.

Alyson Dalton