Westfield, Mass. — First year Nathan Sylven of Westfield State earned 2023 MASCAC Men’s Cross Country Runner of the Year honors after finishing as top overall finisher at the conference championship on Saturday. His performance also headlines this year’s All-Conference team. 

 

Sylven, a first year from Wrentham, Mass., not only was the top overall individual runner, but he was the top rookie to take home the 2023 MASCAC Runner and Rookie of the Year accolades. He covered the 8k course in 26:19.91, nearly a full minute clear of the next competitor. Sylven is the first Owl to claim the individual honor since 2015 and the 10th overall for Westfield State. His efforts also led the team to the overall team title with 26 points and his four teammates also landing on the All-Conference squad. 

 

After leading Westfield State to first place finish at the meet, Marlee Berg was named the 2023 BSN Sports Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year for the second straight year. 

 

Joining Sylven on the 2023 All-Conference Team is Kyle Ackroyd, Ryan Goldman and Mitchell Parent of Bridgewater State, Michael Burns of Fitchburg State, Patrick Walsh of Framingham State, Will Buckley, Abdi Nassir, John Nekitopoulos and Scott Porter of Westfield State. 

 

MASCAC Runner and Rookie of the Year Nathan Sylven 
photo credit to Frank Poulin Photography