Cross country captains known for consistency, experience

NEWPORT, R.I. – Seniors Scott Brewer (Wilbraham, Mass.), Dave Napierkowski (Cheshire, Conn.) and Andrew Sardelli (Hope Valley, R.I.) and junior Dan Donnelly (Portsmouth, R.I.) have been appointed as captains of the Salve Regina men's cross country team, leading the harriers into the fall racing season.  

Napierkowski is the most accomplished of the four, holding a share of the program record for aggregate time at 8,000 meters and having run one of the 20 fastest 8,000-meter times in the history of the men's cross country team. He shared the team's Rookie of the Year Award in 2014 and has been a regular varsity contributor throughout his years at Salve Regina.

Sardelli has also been among the varsity regulars during his time in Newport, first earning a scoring role in 2014 and demonstrating steady year-over-year improvement at 8,000 meters. He was honored as the program's Most Improved Runner in 2015. A veteran of postseason racing, he represented the team in the last three NCAA Division III New England Regional Championships. His personal best at 8,000 meters stands among the top 40 performances on the program's all-time list.

Brewer and Donnelly have also raced in regional championship meets, in 2015 and 2016, respectively, and will look to be squarely inside the scoring five as the 2017 racing campaign progresses. Both men have experience as varsity regulars, with Brewer first breaking in to the lineup in 2014, and Donnelly moving into the varsity ranks in 2016.

"All four of our captains are outstanding individuals who lead by example, on and off the course," said head coach Rob McGuinness. "There is never a question of their commitment, dedication or effort, and I appreciate their consistency and positive attitude toward training. They are ready, and they are motivated. I am confident that they will lead the team to new heights."

The Seahawks open their season at the Roger Williams Invitational on Sept. 2.