The Slippery Rock University men’s cross- country team traveled back to Pennsylvania Sunday after closing its four day trip to Anchorage, Alaska.
“We had an outstanding trip,” SRU head coach John Papa said. “Overall it was a great experience for the team.”
The men landed in Alaska Wednesday afternoon.
The team traveled to Portage Glacier and had its first team run on the trails surrounding the glacier.
The following day the team had a scrimmage versus the University of Alaska Anchorage at Kincaid Park on the surrounding trails.
The teams were not allowed to release any official results from the meet due to NCAA rulings, but the men were led by sophomore Jeremy Parsons and a strong pack of seniors.
The Seawolves had a good run and have a bright season ahead of them.
The team was expected to win its sixth Great Northwest Athletic Conference title this season according to the preseason coaches poll.
The Seawolves received 10 out of 11 first place votes.
The Rock showed good competition against the dominating team and made the race more interesting. After the meet the team traveled to the campus where they explored and visited the university’s bookstore.
The teams hard work on the course didn’t stop them from enjoying the beautiful Alaska.
The men also traveled to Matanuska Glacier that day and got to explore the entire glacier.
The men also had the opportunity to visit Chugach State Park where the team hiked over 3,000 feet on Flat Top Mountain.
The next day the team spent their entire day traveling to Denali National Park where they hiked up several rocks and mountains into the snowy atmosphere.
The Rock ended its trip on by visiting the Alaska State Fair and experiencing the Alaska culture. The team then traveled to Girdwood, Alaska and explored the Winner Creek Trail where they had the opportunity to ride the hand-tram and view Winner Falls.
The entire team was happy to be part of the experience and travel as a team, including senior Connor MacKelvey.
“Entering my final year of eligibility for cross country as a senior at the Rock, I feel very privileged to conclude my cross country career traveling to The Last Frontier with my fellow teammates,” MacKelvey said.
“I was extremely excited that I could travel to the 49th State with my second family and Coach Papa. I cannot thank him enough- as well as Slippery Rock University and Slippery Rock Athletics- for this once in a lifetime experience.”
The Green and White are set to run their first meet of the season Saturday September 5th at Edinboro University.
