The Berkeley Beacon

Issue date: 10/7/04 Section: Sports

Media Credit: William Glucroft

Media Credit: William Glucroft John Weselcouch has emerged as a leader in cross country.

The Emerson men's cross-country team is only in its second year of existence and first season as a varsity sport, but under the guidance of head coach John Furey, the Lions have garnered several talented runners and the 2004 season looks optimistic. Among this team of runners is John Weselcouch of Fairfield, Conn., who is emerging as the first big star of the men's program.

In the season-opening at the Daniel Webster College Invitational on Sept. 17, the Lions placed second out of seven teams while Weselcouch finished second overall. He completed the nearly 8-kilometer course in 27 minutes under unfavorably humid and sticky conditions.

"It was so humid that day, in the middle of the race, it started to downpour," Weselcouch said. "It was coming down so hard the water didn't flow off the road, so I was running through a two-inch deep puddle in the last two miles of the race."

Last season, Weselcouch and the Lions finished in fourth place at the GNAC Championship meet. Weselcouch, one of the top 72 New England runners in Division III cross-country, ran the 8-kilometer course in a time of 28:15. It was good enough for him to cross the finish line at fourth place.

"In our first season as a team, we finished fourth out of ten teams and this year, we look pretty strong," Weselcouch said. "We got three new guys and we're looking at a great season and looking to get into the top three in the GNAC."

Finishing one spot out of the top three in the GNAC Championship has fueled an improvement in his work ethic this year. His exercise regiment includes running 50 to 60 miles a week and strength-training.

At 6'2" and 183 lbs., Weselcouch is built more like a wide receiver than a cross country runner and according to coach Furey, it puts him at a disadvantage compared to other runners.

"Last season, John peaked early. And the distance and his size generally don't work in his favor," Furey said. "In track, his body size works well in the mile. He's able to post some great times in that event."

Weselcouch ran cross country in high school, where he was a solid half-miler and averaged a four minute and 25 seconds mile. He also clocked a three hour time in the Boston Marathon in 2003.

Making the adjustment from high school to college cross country hasn't seemed to be a problem for Weselcouch, as he quickly assumed the roles of team captain and motivator.

"John is like an assistant coach on our team," says Furey. "He stays positive and he gives pep talks to his teammates to keep them focused. They may be struggling on the course, but John reminds them he's out there too, and it helps."

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