By Riley Crowell Asst. Sports Editor The Framingham State University men’s and women’s cross country teams competed at the Western New England University Invitational Oct. 19. Among the 17 men’s teams, Framingham placed 7th. Among the 14 women’s teams, Framingham placed 5th. Head Coach Mark Johnson said, “In general, it went as well as it could have, on both the men’s and women’s side. … Just all in all, a great day for Rams running.” Leading the way for the Rams in the men’s invitational was fleet-footed freshman Aaron Corlette with a time of 28:00 on the 8K course and an 18th place overall finish. Johnson said Corlette’s success is no surprise. “He comes in every day ready to run. We start practice at 4:30 and he’s here every day by 4 with the trainers to get stretched out.” Corlette’s performance in the Western New England University Invitational earned him MASCAC men’s cross country Rookie of the Week honors Oct. 22. Johnson said, “He’s been putting in all the time and the effort. He is a force to be reckoned with in the MASCAC. I cannot wait to see where he goes over the next couple of weeks and years.” Leading the way for Framingham in the women’s invitational was standout sophomore Kate Buban with a time of 24:05 on the 6K course and an 11th place overall finish. Buban said, “I thought it went really well. I think that I ran one of my best times ever in my cross country career.” Her time of 24:05 ranks her 2nd all-time on the Framingham women’s cross country 6K leaderboard, but she said, “I think number one is definitely achievable.” Buban is a frequent frontrunner for the Rams. This marked the third time that she has been the team’s top finisher this season. Johnson said, “She comes in every day ready to work. She wholeheartedly trusts the process. She’s been coming in, logging the miles, and putting in the time.” Freshman Grace Avery finished third for the Rams and 21st overall, clocking a time of 25:05. Avery said, “Personally, I think that the race went really well!” Avery’s performance at the Western New England University Invitational earned her MASCAC women’s cross country Rookie of the Week honors Oct. 22. Avery said, “I think that keeping a strong mentality has definitely contributed to my success this season. I believe that maintaining a good mentality and continuing to work hard will help improve my time each race.” This is the third time being named Rookie of the Week this season for Avery, who said being recognized by her conference never gets old. “It is definitely just as cool as the first time being named Rookie of the Week!” Cross country will travel to Fitchburg State University to compete in the MASCAC Championships Nov. 2. Buban said, “I feel strong [about the MASCAC Championships]. … It’s all about placement, not necessarily about time. So as long as I’m placing in the top 10, I’ll be happy.” Avery said, “I am feeling super confident going into the MASCAC Championships. As far as running goes, the training won’t change. It’s all about keeping the mental toughness heading into an important race.” Johnson said, “I cannot wait for MASCACs just to see us race again. … It’s just been an incredible journey this season. The team vibe has been the best that I’ve seen. “I think that both sides have been putting in the time and effort needed to succeed and peak at the right point of the season,” he added.