PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Little East Conference (LEC) announced its men’s cross country weekly award winners for the week ending September 27, 2026. Vermont State University Castleton’s Zach Taylor was named Runner of the Week, while teammate Robert Ragazzo earned Rookie of the Week honors following their performances at the Fairgrounds Showdown.

Runner of the Week – Zach Taylor, Vermont State Castleton

Taylor led Vermont State Castleton at the Fairgrounds Showdown, completing the 8K course in 27:57.6 to finish 149th in a field of 216 runners. The first-year runner from Lyndonville, Vt., was the Spartans’ top finisher in their first race at the 8K distance. Castleton placed 13th among 15 teams in a competitive field that featured three nationally ranked men’s programs and seven teams ranked among the top 10 in their respective regions.

Rookie of the Week – Robert Ragazzo, Vermont State Castleton

Ragazzo completed his first collegiate 8K race at the Fairgrounds Showdown, crossing the finish line in 29:27.7 to place 181st among 216 competitors. The first-year runner from Dover, N.H., helped Castleton finish 13th in the 15-team field, which included three nationally ranked teams and seven programs ranked among the top 10 regionally.