September 2, 2005

Eric Barnes

GENEVA, N.Y.—The Hobart College cross country team returns two lettermen and welcomes five first-years to campus. Longtime Head Coach Ron Fleury, who has directed the cross country program for three decades, will look for his pair of experienced runners, paced by senior captain Eric Barnes (Schalmont/Duanesburg, N.Y.), to mentor his young squad.

Under the guidance of Fleury, the 2004 Statesmen cross country team made great strides as the returning lettermen all showed consistent improvement throughout the fall. The steady progress throughout the season became evident as Hobart recorded an 18th place finish out of 34 teams at the ECAC Championships, which were held in Grafton, Mass.

Barnes, who was hampered by early season injuries last fall, is expecting to pick up where he left the off, turning in a season’s best time at the ECAC Championships. In order for the Statesmen to have success, Barnes will have to impart his experience on a talented group of first-years.

Sophomore Joseph Bochynski (Amherst/Amherst N.Y.), who turned in a quality first season, will enter the fall as the top Statesmen runner. Holding true to Hobart’s pattern of continual improvement, Bochynski turned in his fastest time (30:58) at the ECAC Championships, which clipped 1:02 off his previous week’s time.

First-year Michael Talarico (Falmouth/Falmouth, Maine), who showed up to preseason workouts in phenomenal shape, has earned early praise from Fluery. He is expected to impact the Statesmen lineup. First-year Alex Bryce (East Fairfield, Vt.) is expected to contribute immediately. As a senior at Bellows Free Academy, Bryce was a state finalist for the Wendy’s Heisman Award.

On Sept. 3 at 1 p.m., the Statesmen will race into action at the Dan Walker Invitational, which is hosted by Buffalo State.