By ALEX SPONSELLER The Bishop Hendricken cross country and track programs are continuing to shine as national powers, as six of their athletes have recently made their college commitments official.

Nicholas Capalbo will be competing in track and field for Stonehill College next year. At Hendricken, he was a key member of the Hawks three most recent wins in both indoor and outdoor track. He was All-State, All-Class and All-Division as part of the team’s 1,600 meter relay team and also competed at the Indoor New Balance Nationals.

"I want to thank my family, coaches, and teammates. To my coaches, thank you for pushing me every day. The consistent pursuit of excellence and high standard you all hold the team to has helped me to grow not only as an athlete, but as a man. To my teammates, thank you for being there on every run, in every race, and for every long bus ride. You guys are what has made my experience at Hendricken stand out and only you know what every day of running has been like. To my family, thank you for everything. I couldn’t have done any of this without your constant love and support. You all have been with me at the highest of highs and the lowest of lows and I’m beyond thankful for that,” said Capalbo.

James Kiernan will be running cross country for Quinnipiac next fall.

Kiernan was All-Class and All-Division for not only his cross country performance, but also as a runner in both indoor and outdoor track.

"I would like to thank my coaches - Coach (Jim) Doyle, Coach (Dan) Brennan, and Coach (John) Manning - and my parents for their amazing support and guidance. I’d also like to acknowledge my teammates and best friends as they have been such a big part of my success at Hendricken," said Kiernan.

Sean Fagan, who won multiple state championships in the hurdles for the Hawks in track, will be taking his talents to Hillsdale College.

“I made my decision to commit to Hillsdale College to run track this past December. I felt very comfortable talking with the coach, and I believe he is someone who can put my talents to great use in helping our team. Hillsdale is a place I can see myself excelling in my next four years as I continue my academic and athletic careers,” said Fagan.

Dante Caouette was one of the top throwers in Hendricken history, and will continue to throw for the University of Rhode Island.

At Hendricken, Caouette was first team All-Division in both shot put and discuss, first team All-State for discuss, and fifth place All-New England in shot put.

David DelBonis will be competing in indoor and outdoor track for St. Joseph's University.

DelBonis was one of the top runners in Rhode Island in both track and cross country during his time at Hendricken. He was first team All-State for cross country as well as the 1,500 meter run in track. He took home the state championship in the 1,500 this past winter season.

Luke Henseler, who took home the state championship last year in cross country and competed in the Nike Nationals in Portland, Oregon, will be running cross country for the University of Pittsburgh. Henseler is currently ranked the 7th best high school cross country runner in the nation.