Cross Country Runs Strong at Bruce Bridgeman Invitational

The SUNY Erie cross country teams continued their 2024 season at the Bruce Bridgeman Invitational, hosted by Finger Lakes Community College. This meet provided an early-season preview of the NJCAA Region 3 championship, with seven regional schools in attendance. Two NCAA institutions, Morrisville State and SUNY Poly, joined the competition.

In the women's 5k, Emma Palumbo delivered a standout performance, securing 3rd place overall and 1st among NJCAA athletes with a time of 25:10.5. Her strong showing positions her as a key contender in the region this season. Tammy Marillo followed with a solid 17th place finish, clocking in at 35:41. Making their season debuts, Jamila Niang placed 20th with a time of 37:00, while Erik Biersch finished 21st in 47:15.

In the men's 8k race, SUNY Erie claimed 3rd place in the team standings with 90 points, finishing behind Morrisville State (19 points) and Onondaga Community College (83 points).

Ryan Weir led the Kats for the second consecutive meet, placing 5th overall and 2nd among NJCAA athletes with a time of 30:19. Samuel May added another strong performance, finishing 8th overall in 31:39. Mark Zeder crossed the line in 21st place with a time of 34:05, followed by Antwoine Hatten in 33rd (37:32). Brothers Aidan and Brendan Terrill finished 41st (39:26) and 43rd (40:19), respectively. Merveilles Katumba took 44th with a time of 40:26, while Omar Yussuf placed 50th (43:37), and Jalin Clark rounded out the team in 55th (45:28).

"This was a new experience for many of our athletes, with several running their first 8k or competing in their first cross country race," said Head Coach Chris Muldoon. "The course was challenging, especially with the heat, but everyone stepped up. Now we have a clearer picture of where we stand, both individually and as a team, in the region. We've got some work to do, but today was a big step forward for our program."

Erie Cross Country will return to action on Saturday, September 28, at the Harry F. Anderson Invitational, hosted by Roberts Wesleyan College.