2015 Roadrunner XC Invitational Results
The Berkeley College New York and New Jersey men's and women's cross country programs began their 2015 campaigns on Friday evening, as the teams traveled to Garret Mountain in Woodland Park, NJ to compete in the 2015 Roadrunner XC Invitational.
On the men's side for New Jersey, the Knights finished in seventh place amongst nine participating teams, while the women's unit score individually only. Jeison Martinez represented New Jersey's men's side well, as the senior standout finished 22nd overall amongst 53 student-athletes who scored. Rounding out the men's team were runners Sean Smith (39th place - 22:57.7) and first-year Knights Leandro Contreras (44th place - 25:22), Nickson Rodriguez (45th place – 25:25.4), and Angel Ramirez (51st place - 33:38.3).
New Jersey's women's team had four individuals cross the finish line, including Alicia Morales, as she clocked in at 30:59.6. The Knights' other three finishers were first-year runners Jennifer Zhanay (31:24.6), Natalie Fernandez (37:30.2), and Megan Montenez (37:31.7). Following the meet, New Jersey Head Coach Michael Lincoln gave his thoughts.
"I was very proud of the way the student-athletes competed and pushed themselves today," Lincoln said. "They were competing on a very challenging course and they ran their hearts out. The teams have been working diligently every week leading up to the season, and tonight it showed in their efforts. We are looking forward to the Staten Island Invitational next Sunday."
On the men's side for Berkeley's New York team, the Knights finished ninth amongst nine competing schools, while the women finished 10th out of 10 participating institutions. Despite high temperatures and a rugged terrain course with many inclines, Berkeley's young squads held their own and put forth a strong effort in this season opener.
The New York men were paced by freshman Hironori Kanzaki (34th place - 22:03) and 2nd year standout Majustice Wilson (38th Overall - 22:55.5). Newcomers Omari Alleyne, Adam Phumalee, and Nico Quinones finished in 48th (28:09.6), 52nd (36:24.0), and 53rd place (40:00), respectively.
On the women's side, Amelia Davis and Nelchiarde Sylvain finished in 55th and 56th place respectively overall with times of 34:20.4 and 34:20.7. Rounding out Berkeley's scored runners were Ilham Nagi-Hamed (57th place overall - 34:44) Angela Adams, Razieh Shojaee, and Elizabeth Cocco. Second year Head Coach Adam Rosen gave his thoughts following the meet.
"Today at the Roadrunner XC Invitational, we ran on a tough course against some terrific student-athletes and gained invaluable experience," Rosen said. "The expectation is that these runners will continue to work hard and make solid gains in the upcoming weeks."
All four of Berkeley College's cross country teams will enjoy eight days before returning to action on Sunday, September 13 when they compete in the CSI Invitational at Clove Lakes Park in Staten Island, NY. The men's race will begin at 10:00am, followed by the women's event at 11:00am.
