The RCSJ Roadrunners cross country teams headed to TCNJ this past weekend to challenge themselves against some bigger competition and longer courses. This was the first time for the Roadrunner squads racing the 6k and 8k distances this season. The teams fared well as they were adjusting to the distance and the fast-starting charge led by NCAA Div. 1 St. Joseph's University who swept the top 10 places and more in both the races.
The top Lady Roadrunner was once again RCSJ frosh Autumn Heaton, with an impressive 28th place finish in the tough field. Next up for the RCSJ flock, with a breakthrough race, was Mackenzie Cochran who led a nice group of her teammates through the line in 50th place. Susana Serrano, Ashton Wiseley, and Alyssa Connor were in that flock finishing in 54th, 55th, and 58th respectively. The women's team ended up finishing 7th in the team competition.
The men's race had a new leader appear for the Roadrunners this week, with CJ Gilmore pacing the way with his 42nd place finish. As usual, the remaining RCSJ runners worked together and finished in a few tight packs. Joey Malec, Charlie Hepler, Derek Wyllie, and John Schilling placed 45th, 47th, 50th, and 54th respectively all within sight of each other. Rounding out the Roadrunner squad were Mike Abate and Ben Kellum finishing in 63rd and 66th in the highly competitive meet. The men's team ended up finishing 6th in the team competition.
Coach Ryan Hughes was happy with the team's efforts this week, stating, "I knew it would be a slight adjustment for everyone running their first long course XC races. Now that we all know what it feels to race long, big improvements will be coming. CJ and Mackenzie had breakthrough races that stood out for us and Susana looked amazing on the few hills the course had to offer! Last week, Autumn was named NJCAA National Runner of the Week, and she continued with another week where she was the top JUCO finisher in the meet.
Next up for the Roadrunners is the Talbot Invitational hosted by Bryn Mawr on Saturday 10/1 where the teams will face a series of hilly meets in prep for our Region 19 Championship course.
9/23/22
TCNJ Invitational
TCNJ, Ewing, NJ
Women's 6k
28 Autumn Heaton 26:29
50 Mackenzie Cochran 28:47
54 Susana Serrano 29:31
55 Ashton Wiseley 29:43
58 Alyssa Connor 30:24
Team = 7th place
Men's 8k
42 CJ Gilmore 29:58
45 Joey Malec 30:28
47 Charlie Hepler 30:48
50 Derek Wyllie 31:22
54 John Schilling 31:58
63 Mike Abate 34:16
66 Ben Kellum 35:22
Team = 6th place
Complete Results:
https://www.tfrrs.org/results/xc/20235/TCNJ_XC_Invitational_
TFRRS | TFRRS | College Track & Field Results
HOST: The College of New Jersey DIRECTOR: Justin Lindsey TIMING: Lexicon Timing REFEREE: Justin Lindsey
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