By Draven Dabrowski
Sports Writer
At this point, the Owls’ cross country program has made winning look like a routine — but there is nothing routine about the work that goes into it.
Women’s Head Coach Mellisa Stoll Funaro and Assistant Coach for both men and women’s teams Brian Nill emphasized that the culture, which is built on routine, belief and accountability, is what keeps both programs at the top of the conference.
“Just having the ability to click it off year after year with a different group really kind of speaks to the group as a whole and how they progressed over time,” Nill said. “The biggest thing in our culture is the younger kids come in, and they buy in from day one.”
The Owls men’s team claimed its fourth straight NE10 Championship, while the women’s team earned its second in program history. This is a testament not only to talent that each member possesses but to a winning culture years in the making.
For Jonathan Volpe, a senior who has been part of the men’s four straight conference title run, that culture is more than a mindset — it is a responsibility.
“I knew people were going to want to go after me. I had the most experience on the field, but I also had to watch out for everyone wanting to go for my spot,” Volpe said.
Volpe won his second individual title, crossing the finish line at 25:46.8. His first came in 2022. It was Volpe’s third NE10 First Team honor and fourth all-conference nod.
Volpe’s journey has not always been easy. After breaking his foot last year, he battled through pain to regain his form and help lead his team to another title.
“At the start of the season, I was dealing with a little bit of foot and ankle pain,” Volpe said. “Overcoming that just helped strengthen everything.”
Nill credits Volpe’s determination as the standard that defines not only him, but the entire team. “Probably the most stubborn kid I’ve ever coached — doesn’t take no for an answer,” Nill said. “The fact that he’s able to just keep pressing, keep showing up every single day, speaks volumes.”
That persistence paid off not only in championships but in personal growth. Volpe has cut his 8K time from 28:04 as a freshman to 24:25.
On the women’s side, Courtney Henchcliffe, a senior, returned after missing last season with a collarbone fracture determined to leave her mark.
“My mindset was that I was very determined to win because I wasn’t there last year, and I wasn’t the best my first year here,” Henchcliffe said. “I wanted to claim that spot.”
Henchcliffe crossed at 22:49.3 and finished 00:49.1 ahead of the second-place finisher. She is the first individual champion since Laura Brustolon won it for the Owls in 2009.
For Henchcliffe, that collective spirit is what truly separates this team from the rest.
“Everything we do is for each other,” Henchcliffe said. “Everyone wants it just as bad as the next person, and we all make it happen for each other.”
The unity is what fuels their toughest days — the early mornings, the long runs and the double training sessions that put them past comfort.
“Distance running really is group suffering,” Nill said. “It’s not very enjoyable for a lot of moments, but when everyone can recognize, ‘Okay, this is going to be tough, but I’ll pull you through, you pull me through,’ You work together.”
Next to come is the NCAA East Regional on Saturday, Nov. 8, where the Owls will look to keep their momentum rolling.
For both cross country programs, greatness is not just measured in titles. It is found in the miles, the mornings and the teammates who make it all worth it.
“Honestly, I just love being here,” Henchcliffe said. “I love waking up every day and coming here. Sometimes, I literally can’t sleep the night before because I am so excited to come”
