Sept. 30, 2005
FAIRFIELD, Conn. - On Saturday afternoon, the Fairfield University men's and women's cross country teams host the Victor Leeber, S.J. Invitational. The race, formerly known as the Fairfield Invitational, has been renamed in honor of Fr. Leeber, who was the first coach in the history of the program.
This year will be the 29th edition of the race, and men's and women's teams from Fairfield, Hofstra, St. Francis (N.Y.), Siena, and Sacred Heart will traverse the Fairfield University campus. The women's race will begin at 12 p.m., and the men's race will go off at approximately 12:45 p.m. The start/finish line will be adjacent to Lessing Field on the Fairfield campus.
Fr. Leeber began his tenure at Fairfield University as a part of the faculty in 1947. He came to Fairfield as a language instructor, and also served as an academic advisor.
Best known for his love of Fairfield athletics, he asked for and received permission to start a cross country and track and field program in 1948. He was named head coach of the cross country program, and served in that capacity until 1950.
Fr. Leeber remained active in the athletic department, as he was the team chaplain for both football and men's basketball until his retirement. He was officially dubbed the "Father of Sports" when he was inducted into the Fairfield University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992.
Both the Fairfield men's and women's cross country teams have been off since competing in the CCSU Ted Owen Invitational on Sept. 17. The men's team finished third, while the women finished fifth.
Senior A.J. Kastanotis led the men's team by finishing 12th overall with a time of 30:05, over the 8k course. Senior Kara O'Connell led women's team by crossing the finish line 33rd with a time of 20:34.
Following the completion of the men's race there will be an awards ceremony, and the dedication of the race. Members of the Leeber family will be in attendance, and the No. 1 bib will be presented. The No. 1 bib number will also be officially retired as well.
The Fairfield men's and women's cross country teams will be back in action, Saturday, Oct. 8 at the New England Championships. The race, located at Franklin Park in Boston, is one of the oldest meets in the Nation.
