An air of excitement surrounds the Roadrunner Men's and Women's Cross Country teams as they prep for Saturday's NJCAA Division III National Championship Meet at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, AL.
The Runners captured both the Region 19 men's and women's titles on Oct. 28th for the first time since 2007 --- but they are looking for more glory heading into the big stage.
"Everyone is excited and confident in their chances," said head coach Ryan Hughes. "They have waited for this opportunity, and they feel good about their chances."
Hughes' teams, both ranked in the top 10 nationally by the USTFCCCA hope to prove they belong among the nation's elite. The men's team is currently ranked No. 9 nationally while the women sit at No. 8 overall.
One men's runner who is hoping to make waves is sophomore standout Anas Bensaoud, who emerged as the NJCAA Region 19 champion in the Oct. 28th race at Thaddeus Stevens College. In the region race, Bensaoud saved his best for last, running a slower pace on the hilly course at the start before finishing fast to claim the win.
With the Huntsville course designed flat, the pace will be fast throughout the race.
"There are a few fast guys in this race, but I thinbk I can keep pace," said Bensaoud, a former Clearview standout. "We'll see what happens. I'm ready for this, but we've just run on different courses throughout the Fall, so it will be a challenge."
Regardless of the course's design, Bensaoud and teammate Charlie Hepler have each improved greatly throughout the season and will be key to the Runners' success. They will also need plenty of help in a solid pack from tteannates Branden Lachowicz, Gavin Casella, John Schilling, Derek Wyllie, and Darius Davis.
"We feel the men's team is a legitimate top 5 contender, and of course they will need to perform up to their potential to achieve their goal," said Coach Ryan Hughes. "We have not run on a course like this all season, so it will be a challenge."
The women's team has six solid runners in top threat Courtney O'Hara, a Gateway Regional High grad, Mackenzie Cochran, Madison O'Donnell, Alexandra Campo, Susana Serrano and Grace Wahl.
"With a solid race from everyone, the women could finish high up as well," said Hughes. "They should be competitive on the fast course."
Check back for championship meet results.
NJCAA Cross Country Championships, Presented by the Marines
John Hunt Park / Huntsville, AL
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Complete Schedule -- All Divisions
9:10 AM National Anthem
9:15 AM First Call Division I Men
9:30 AM Division I Men Race
10:15 AM First Call Division I Women
10:30 AM Division I Women Race
11:45 AM First Call Division III Men
12:00 PM Division III Men Race
12:45 PM First Call Division III Women
1:00 PM Division III Women Race
2:15 PM First Call Division II Men
2:30 PM Division II Men Race
3:15 PM First Call Division II Women
3:30 PM Division II Women Race