The Fairfield University men’s and women’s cross country teams are set to compete at the 2025 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championships this Saturday, Nov. 1, at Twin Ponds on the Farm in Montgomery, NY. After months of preparation, the Stags are ready to cap off their season on one of the most familiar courses they will face all year.
Head coach Jake Jayworth said the team’s energy in practice this week has been “electric,” with both squads feeling confident and locked in. “This is a moment we’ve all been waiting for all season, and the day is almost finally here,” Jayworth said. “We talk a lot about being an opportunity-seeking team. It’s not about obsessing over outcomes, but about being present in the moment, staying focused and giving our best effort. It’s a process of discovery more than a test for us.”
That mindset will serve Fairfield well as they return to a course they know better than almost any in the MAAC. Twin Ponds hosted the conference championships last season and the Jasper Invitational earlier this fall, giving the Stags plenty of experience with its rolling hills and wide-open fields. “It’s a course the team knows well,” Jayworth said. “We’ve raced there many times, so nothing about Saturday should feel unfamiliar. The stakes might be higher, but the process doesn’t change.”
For the women’s team, there is plenty of reason for optimism. Junior standout Hannah Snayd returns to the site of one of the biggest moments in program history. Last year, Snayd became Fairfield’s first-ever individual MAAC cross country champion, finishing the 6K in 20:36.3. She has continued to set the standard for the team this season, both in competition and in training. “Regardless of what happens this weekend, Hannah gives our team so much confidence,” Jayworth said. “She’s our low stick at the front of the race, but more than that, the way she carries herself and the way she trains inspires everyone around her.”
Alongside Snayd, the Stags have built one of their deepest women’s rosters in recent years. Senior captain Molly Ryle has emerged as a major contributor, showing steady improvement and strong finishes throughout the fall. “She’s been knocking on the door of our top group for a few years, and this season she’s really broken through,” Jayworth said. “She put in the work over the summer, and it’s been amazing to see her compete with confidence.” That depth will be critical as Fairfield faces MAAC frontrunners Siena, Iona and Quinnipiac, who finished first, second and fourth, respectively, at last year’s championship. While the competition will be fierce, Jayworth believes his group’s chemistry and trust in one another give them an edge. “We’re counting on everyone,” he said. “Every person on this team matters.”
Senior captain Ryan Lindley has continued to lead by example on the men’s side, consistently performing near the top of Fairfield’s lineup. “Ryan’s taken another big step forward this season,” Jayworth said. “He’s an athlete who’s steadily improved every year, and now he’s ready to compete with some of the top runners in the MAAC. The guys see that, and it motivates everyone around him.” The men’s team has been defined this year by depth and competitiveness within the roster. “In previous years, I could tell you who our top five were going to be going into a race,” Jayworth said. “This year, it’s wide open, and that’s a great thing. We have a lot of guys capable of stepping up, and that keeps everyone sharp.” Fairfield will look to close the gap on MAAC powers Iona, Marist and Siena, with Iona once again entering as the favorite after capturing its 34th consecutive title last fall.
While physical training has been a focus all fall, Jayworth said that mental preparation is just as important as race strategy. “The mental prep starts long before championship week,” he said. “We talk on day one about our relationship with competition, how we want to approach it in a healthy and productive way. If we do that, we can race freely and confidently.” The team has also begun its tapering phase, reducing mileage and workout intensity to ensure that runners are rested and ready for peak performance. “The early season can be deceiving because you’re racing on tired legs,” Jayworth said. “Now that we’re fresh, we can really show the fitness we’ve built.”
Beyond training and tactics, Jayworth credits the team’s strong culture as one of the biggest reasons for its continued progress. “We’re a team that takes the work seriously, but not ourselves too seriously,” he said with a smile. “You know we’re in a good place when the athletes can finish a tough rep in practice and still laugh together during recovery. That camaraderie is everything.” He describes the team’s dynamic as a mix of accountability and joy, where everyone is supported but also pushed to reach their potential.
As for his final message heading into Saturday, Jayworth kept it simple. “My goal for the weekend is to be the team that has the most fun,” he said. “The stakes might be higher, but the game doesn’t change. If we stay authentic and have fun doing what we love, we’ll execute.”
The women’s 6K race will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, followed by the men’s 8K at noon. As both Fairfield squads head to Twin Ponds looking to build on a season of steady progress, one thing is clear. They are ready to compete, ready to grow and ready to have fun doing it.