FAIRFIELD, Conn. – With five of the first nine individual finishers, the Fairfield University men's cross country team matched Sacred Heart with a meet-best 30 points on Saturday at the Fr. Victor F. Leeber, S.J. Invitational. Led by Sam Daly's fifth-place showing, the Stags officially took second place at their home meet, while the crosstown Pioneers claimed the title via tiebreaker.
Daly posted a fifth-place time of 26:52.49 on the 8K course around the Fairfield University campus. He led a barrage of Stags to cross the line, followed in order by Mike Flanagan (27:08.09), Nolan Parsley (27:17.14), Jordan Dixon (27:31.36) and Scott Daly (27:35.06).
Mike Bodie added a 13th place showing with a time of 28:40.55, and Michael Mullaney (29:10.93) and Andrew Infascelli (29:19.02) also joined the top 20 individual finishers.
Rounding out the Stags' harriers – all of whom were among the top 25 – were Patrick Shea (30:14.58), Timothy Salit (30:23.94) and Mickey Kozak (30:31.45).
Sacred Heart won the meet based upon head-to-head results with the Stags. The Pioneers boasted the first three runners to break the tape, led by individual champion Sean Ferguson (26:27.99).
In addition to today's races, Fairfield University cross country has dedicated the presentation that followed the action as the Fr. W. Laurence O'Neil, S.J. Award Ceremony. Director of Athletics Gene Doris and the Rev. Charles H. Allen, S.J. provided remarks for the ceremony, which included presentations for the men's and women's team champions, the top-10 finishers of each race, and a recognition of Fairfield's seniors running in their final home meet.
The Stags return to action on Friday, Oct. 2 in Bethlehem, Pa. at the Paul Short Run hosted by Lehigh.
About Fr. Victor F. Leeber, S.J.
Fr. Victor F. Leeber, S.J. was perhaps one of the most prominent figures in the history of Fairfield University. His tenure began in 1947 as he joined the faculty as a language instructor and an academic advisor.
Best known for his love of athletics, Fr. Leeber asked for and received permission to start a cross country and track & field program in 1948. He was named the head coach of the cross country team and served in that capacity until 1950.
Fr. Leeber remained active in the athletic department, as he was the team chaplain for both the men's basketball and football teams until his retirement.
Officially dubbed the “Father of Sports” at Fairfield, Fr. Leeber was inducted into the Fairfield University Alumni Association Athletics Hall of Fame in 1992. Fr. Leeber passed away in August 2009 at the age of 87.
About Fr. W. Laurence O'Neil, S.J.
Fr. W. Laurence O'Neil, S.J., was the Stags' chaplain and a counselor to Fairfield's student-athletes. Fr. O'Neil joined the Fairfield community in 1955 when he began working at Fairfield Prep. In 1972, he was appointed the Director of Career Counseling at Fairfield University, a position he held for 15 years.
Fr. O'Neil also spent seven years as the Dean of Students and worked as the International Student Advisor. He joined the Athletics staff in 2006 where he was beloved by student-athletes, coaches, and staff alike. He passed away in October 2009.
