The Berkeley College men's and women's cross country teams competed in their first races since the consolidation of the New Jersey and New York programs this past Spring, as the Knights participated in the Ramapo College season-opening meet at Garret Mountain in Woodland Park, New Jersey. It was a very successful day, as both teams scored and a number of student-athletes put forth some stellar efforts.
On the men's side, the six freshmen with a tremendous amount of upside competed for Berkeley, including Anthony Argueta who set a school record for the fastest finish by a Berkeley College runner at Garret Mountain, as he completed the men's 5K course in 18:13.3 (good for 23rd overall). Alfred Andrade was the next Knight to cross the tape, as he clocked in at 24:08.5 (69th overall). Aaron Griffith, Stanley Jeantly, and Xavier Sanchez finished 69th (24:08.5), 70th (24:39.4), and 71st (25:51.4), respectively, and Albert Jordan was the men's team's final finisher, as he came in 73rd overall with a time of 26:08.6.
For Berkeley College's women's team, the Knights were led by freshman Pamela Andrade as she finished 65th overall in the women's 5K meet with a time of 28:00.5. Veteran Amanda Ekornes solidified a 74th place finish, as she crossed the finish line at 31:11.2, and rounding out things for Berkeley were Kimberly Acevedo, newcomer Albertine Nana, and Osmairy Cordero, as they came in 77th (36:04.6), 78th (36:22.7), and 80th overall (40:29.2). Following the completion of both races, Head Coach Adam Rosen spoke about his student-athletes.
"Our all-freshman men's team and young women's squad took on the heat and a difficult Garret Mountain terrain and put forth some very encouraging performances today at the Ramapo College Cross Country Invitational Season Opener, and I couldn't be more proud of their efforts," Rosen said. "With more race day experience, we're expecting a great deal of upside gains for both squads. We are all looking forward to competing at the Bard College Invitational 15 days from now."
It certainly was a very memorable and successful day for both Berkeley College cross country teams, and Associate Head Coach Michael Lincoln alluded to that following the races.
"Our men's team started the season very strong, and our women's team gained some very valuable experience as well," Lincoln said. "I think we certainly have a foundation of runners for these two teams, and I'm looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish this season."
The Berkeley College men's and women's teams will return to action on Saturday, September 17, as the teams will take to the road to participate in the Bard College Invitational. The women's race will begin at 11:00am, with the men's meet following at noon.
