Women’s Cross Country Runs Strong in Regular Season Finale

The SUNY Erie cross country teams finished the regular season at the Cross Country Only Championships (CCOC) at Seneca Lake State Park. Hosted by William Smith College, the CCOC is an invitational open to institutions that sponsor cross country but not track and field programs. The Kats toed the line against a competitive field of NCAA schools, including SUNY Morrisville, Paul Smith's College, Keuka College, SUNY Canton, Clarkson University, William Smith College, Hobart College, and Wells College.

For the second consecutive week, the women competed at the 6-kilometer distance. Sonya Krezmien finished 11th place in 26:28, earning herself a top-20 award T-shirt. Mads Baird ran one of her best races of the season, finishing 25th place in 28:29. Plamedi Mutombo finished 52nd in 50:03.

The men did not have the full team available but turned in several impressive individual performances. Sam May broke 31:00 in the 8k for the first time, finishing 36th place in 30:59. Mark Zeder returned from an injury to finish 53rd in 34:47, over three minutes faster than his time from the Bruce Bridgeman Invitational. Eugene Bush set yet another personal best, clocking 37:29 for 58th place. Aidan Terrill battled through cramps but finished strong for 61st place in 39:58.

"We talked all week about this being our dress rehearsal for the Region championship," said Head Coach Chris Muldoon. "We had some nice bounce-back races and a handful of PRs. I still think there's room for improvement, and we seem to be putting things together at the right time. Now, we have two weeks to get healthy and sharpen up for the championship season."

Erie's next competition is the NJCAA Region III Championship, hosted by Finger Lakes Community College.