The 2003-04 cross country season proved to be an overwhelming success as the men’s and women’s teams continued to represent Georgetown impressively. By the end of the season, a solid pack of seven runners stood out to represent Georgetown in the final race of the season. It was not only these runners who contributed to the overall success of the team. Each meet saw different runners have their breakthrough races and contribute points to the team. A young flock of runners was added to the roster as key freshmen joined the team and became great assets.

The team opened the season at the Georgetown Invitational where it set the tone for the rest of the season. Both the men and women team captured first place finishes. The following week, the Hoyas followed up this success with a first place finish for the women and runner-up honors for the men at the George Washington Invitational.

The team’s next meet, the conference championships, was the greatest accomplishment of the season. The men’s team beat some of the best teams in the nation to capture the Big East championship. The conference title was the men’s first since 1994, and their 37-point margin of victory is the largest Big East win in over two decades. Georgetown’s 29 points was also the best team score since 1982. Junior Rod Koborsi and sophomore Chris Lukezic were awarded All-Big East honors. The coaching staff of Ron Helmer and Patrick Henner was awarded Coaching Staff of the Year honors from the Big East for their strong guidance and coaching.

The women held their own with a third place finish. Senior Treniere Clement and junior Nicole Lee headed this team effort with their top-10 finishes and spots on the All-Big East team, as did senior Amanda Pape with her 15th place finish. Men’s Head Coach Henner described the meet as “one of the best team performances I have ever coached.”

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship earned the Hoyas automatic team bids to the NCAA championships. The women’s cross country team, ranked 16th in the nation, turned in stellar performances as it won the meet and became the regional champion. This team effort was led by Clement, who continued her impressive senior campaign with a first place finish in a race that featured over 170 runners.

Competing in the most prestigious and significant meet of the season, the men’s team found success once again. With over 30 of the most competitive teams featured in the race, the Hoyas represented Georgetown well by capturing an impressive seventh-place finish. On the women’s side, the Hoyas 16th place finish by the Georgetown women ended their 15 year streak of consecutive top-10 finishes at the NCAA meet.

The Hoyas capped off one of their most successful seasons to date, especially the men’s team. They proved the national rankings wrong more than once by outperforming higher-ranked opponents. Early in the season, Helmer said, “All of our racing is geared towards peaking for the NCAA champs and trying to place within the top 10, or maybe even creeping up a little higher.” A month later, after dozens of workouts, practices and runs that have push their personal limits, that is exactly what the Hoyas have done.