HENNIKER, N.H. (October 4, 2004) – The Franklin Pierce University men's and women's cross country teams participated in the 2004 New Hampshire Small College State Championships, hosted by New England College on Saturday. Overall, the men finished in third place, while the women did not qualify. Saint Anselm College and Rivier College won the team competitions on the men’s and women’s respectively.

Senior Adam Marsh (Rutland, Mass./Wachusett Regional) was the top performer for the Ravens in the men’s race. He finished in eight place out of 34 runners with a time of 31:16. Sophomore Burkett Farqaher (Marlborough, Conn./RHAM) finished in 14th place with a time of 32:37, while junior Frank Blais (North Providence, R.I./LaSalle Academy) finished in 15th with a time of 33:21.

On the women’s side, junior Rachel Mitchell (Shirley, Mass./Ayer) placed 2nd out of a field of 20 competitors with her time of 23:07. Finishing just behind Mitchell was sophomore Michelle Frazer (Braintree, Mass./Weymouth) with a time of 23:59. Classmate Lisa Zizza (Quincy, Mass./Fontbonne Academy) was also impressive, finishing in fifth with a time of 25:09. The women’s team failed to qualify for the team competition because they could not field the minimum number of runners.

The teams will compete again on Thursday, when they run on their home course in the Franklin Pierce Invitational. The men’s race will begin at 4:00 p.m., while the women will start at 4:15 p.m.