On Friday, September 1st, the Union College Men's Cross Country team competed at the Stockton Season Opener at Stockton University. Competing against some of the top NCAA Division II and NCAA Divison III programs in the tri-state area. Our Owls were able to score as a team for the first time since the Fall of 2019. They finished in 9th place in the loaded field for the Men's 6k run. The Owls were lead by newcomer Sebastian Lopez-Batista clocking in a time of 25:04.23 and beating several competitors from Goldey-Beacom College (NCAA DII; CACC). Sebastian was followed by teammate Xavier Rodriguez, with a time of 27:07.12 then by fellow newcomer and teammate Christopher Lazu with a time of 27:33.72.

 

"There were a few positives today." Said Coach Luginsland. "To have a young group with most of them never experiencing a college cross country meet we definitely held our own. I am glad the men scored as a team for the first time since 2019 and I like the team dynamic and where this program is heading. We just need to keep working, push ourselves and continue to get better every day."

 

Both the Union College Men and Women's teams will be in action again when they head to Brookdale College on September 23rd for the Jersey Blues Invitational. The competition will host some of the best Junior College programs in the area and where the Women's Team hopes to score as a team for the first time in program history. 

 

Next Competition Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023

Location: Brookdale Community College - 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738