Seahawks salute ‘Captain Jack’ for four years of dedicated service
NEWPORT, R.I. – The last four years have marked an evolution for the Salve Regina men's cross country team, and senior captain Jack Simpson (Lynn, Mass.) has been an integral part of it all.
Simpson, who appeared in 32 meets over four seasons, was honored with the team's senior award at a season-ending reception on Nov. 16. The award recognizes a four-year member of the team who has demonstrated leadership, loyalty and dedication.
His running resume includes four Commonwealth Coast Conference Championship meets, along with two appearances in the ECAC Division III Championship and one finish in an NCAA Division III New England Regional Championship. That's plenty of high-level racing – especially for a former football player.
Simpson, who played linebacker at St. Mary's Junior-Senior High School in Lynn, Mass., decided to switch his focus to running in college. After having some success on the track as St. Mary's lone two-miler, Simpson saw a future in distance running.
"While I loved my years playing football, I kind of knew that my days of wearing the pads were over," Simpson said. "However, I did have a strong feeling that I could still succeed at distance running. So while I was never recruited by any programs, since I had never run cross country before, I made the decision my senior year that wherever I went to school, I was going to run."
When the business administration major arrived at Salve Regina in 2011, he joined a team that had only four men on the roster. Simpson raced in all seven invitationals that fall, as well as the CCC and ECAC meets, gaining competitive experience. When the team grew to 10 runners the following year, Simpson played a contributing role in most invitationals and raced in all three postseason meets.
"Jack played such an important part during that season, when the team was trying to find its footing in the conference and the region. It had been a while since we'd had a full scoring team, and Jack was already establishing himself as a leader," said head coach Rob McGuinness. "When the team continued to grow, Jack was one of the guys who always set the tone for the underclassmen and demonstrated what was expected of our athletes."
The men's team has doubled in size – and become much more competitive – since Simpson's sophomore year. The 2013 squad earned the highest conference (third) and regional (31st) finishes since the program was reconstituted in 2005, and the captain said he's thankful to have been a part of an exciting time for the team.
"I find myself thinking how lucky I am to have had this unique experience. While I don't regret my time spent with the four-man team freshman year, it's been amazing to have seen the program grow before my eyes," Simpson said. "I can't express how thankful I am for the guys who have chosen Salve over the years, and how glad I am for having the chance to have run with them."
Simpson finished his collegiate racing career with personal best times of 20:14 for 5K at Central Connecticut State University and 32:03 for 8K at UMass-Dartmouth.
The senior, who is also a part of Salve Regina's club swimming and rugby teams, has done well at keeping his commitments in balance over his four years in Newport.
"I've been lucky enough to have the upbringing which has taught me how to stay well-balanced. Being able to keep this up on a daily basis, to be committed in all aspects, is what I think separates a contributor and a leader," Simpson said. "I've always strived to be dependable, on and off the field, and while the three sports I participate in are diverse in comparison, I think it's my commitment to these programs that has allowed me to be successful."
Salve Regina Men's Cross Country
2014 Award Honorees
Senior Award: Jack Simpson
Runner(s) of the Year: Sean Hughes, Billy Martin
Rookie(s) of the Year: Dave Napierkowski, Austin Sattler