Cross Country Competes at USCAA National Meet

The Men's and Women's Cross Country teams competed in the USCAA National Championships race on Sunday, November 10th.

November 10, 2024

Uniontown, PA- The Men's and Women's Cross Country teams competed in the USCAA National Championships race on Sunday, November 10th.

After three years running on the Christendom team, women's team captain, Mary Noble, closed out her final season with an outstanding course record of 26:15 in the 6k event in her 4^th opportunity racing on the PSU-Fayette course. In the Aubrey Shenk Invitational leading up to the Championship race, Mary had hit her overall PR time of 26:14, just one second ahead, on Gettysburg College's much flatter, faster course. She was awarded Second Team All-American for placing 12th out of 69 runners at the meet, and also received recognition on the National All-Academic team for her academic performance as a student-athlete.

Freshman Jadzia Hamm, concluded her first season on the Christendom team with an incredible course PR of 30:43, over two minutes faster than her race time on this course earlier in the season. She also ran her overall PR time at Gettysburg College three weeks prior with a time of 29:57.

The captain of the men's team, junior Alex Girata placed 13^th out of 82 men with a time of 29:58 in the 8k event, being named a Second Team All-American. This was Alex's third year in a row earning USCAA All-American honors. He was also recognized for his academic accomplishments on the All-Academic team for the 2024 season.

Freshman Henry Englehardt concluded his first season with a time of 34:09, with this being only his second attempt racing at the 8k distance. He returned strong for the Championship meet, placing 45^th out of 82 men, after battling an injury throughout the duration of this season.

Team Manager, junior Elizabeth (Libby) Kolesar had a strong season also working through injury. Earlier in the season, Libby placed 4^th overall on the PSU-Fayette course at the Roaring Lions Invitational, awarding the women's team 2^nd place overall at the event. Libby was also recognized on the All-Academic team this season for her academic achievements.

Overall the men's and women's teams had a strong, persistent season despite the challenge of small team size not allowing them to place as a team score. Now they are off to enjoy a period of rest and recovery! Congratulations to the Cross Country team!