THE BRONX, N.Y. – On a sunny Friday the 13th in the Bronx, the American University cross country team took to the course in Van Cortlandt Park in the IC4A/ECAC Championships. The event was highlighted by 12 Eagles earning personal bests.
The events started when the Men's Open 8k and Women's Open 6k ran simultaneously, followed by the Men's IC4A Championship 8k race, and finished with the women's ECAC Championship 6k event.
The Eagles will now have two weeks off to recover and train, turning their attention to the Patriot League Championships on October 28.
QUOTES FROM COACH GRAHAM
"The women ran well today. Once again led by
June Mwaniki, inserting herself into challenging, competitive positions. I think she's got more in the tank, but today was a good day against tough competition. Callia came away with another PR and another step forward as our number two again.
Hannah Schwab had a big day as our number three with a big PR as well.
"In the open race, we saw big steps forward for Kirah and Annie and a very impressive return to competition for
Kylie Raymond. They are learning to trust the fitness they've built and no apply that in competition. We need to continue to push the envelope in the middle portions of the race and to ensure we continue to improve.
"On the men's side we performed better. We're not yet in the position we need to be, but well within range compared to two weeks ago.
Kaden Kluth continues to show he can be a force on the frass as well as the track. He had a gutsy race leading our group. Row ran fine, clocking 10 seconds faster than last year on this course.
Cooper Michaud stepped up well with a big PR as our third scorer today, too.
"In the open race, we saw very good racing by
Oscar Counsell finishing sixth and a massive PR for freshman
Hayden Hauser placing 13th overall. The guys need a little more consistency in the middle miles, and they'll be in good shape. This wasn't our best performance, but a better glimpse into what we're capable of."
WOMEN
- In the Open 6k race, the Eagles were led by Kirah Tianga who for the second race in a row earned an impressive PR, this one of one minute and 24 seconds at 23:50.4. She was followed across the line six seconds later by Kylie Raymond who made her return to racing for the squad.
- Senior Cassandra Daniele also earned a PR in the open race with her time of 24:15.1.
- In the women's ECAC 6K Championship race, June Mwaniki was the first place finisher for the Eagles, crossing 53rd overall. This was the senior's 12th overall time leading the pack and 10th time in a row.
- Fellow senior Callia Cordasco raced herself to a seven second PR at 22:53.1 when she came in second for AU and 122 overall on the day. Hannah Schwab followed behind and tabbed a seven second PR.
- Fifth year Rachael Potter and first year Estella Miller rounded out the top five finishers for the Eagles. Miller clocked a 14 second PR in the event.
- Lucia Ianello and Brooke Evans had an impressive day as well as the junior and senior were the other two Eagles on the women's side to earn personal bests on the day and finish the day on a high note in the final race of the morning.
MEN
- The day started with the split Open event, with the men participating in the 8k, and junior Oscar Counsell led the pack and coming across the line sixth overall in the event.
- First year Hayden Hauser kept the momentum going and was 13th overall in the Open 8K, tabbing an impressive one minute and 10 second personal best of 25:51.2. Sophomore Jack Chandler also earned a personal best, topping his previous time by 44 seconds, in the open race.
- Turning to the IC4A Championship race, the Eagles were guided by Kaden Kluth, who for the third time this season and for his career came across the line first for American. The Sophomore came 32nd overall and recorded a new personal best of 24:40.4.
- Graduate student Row Sullivan was the second finisher for AU to cross the finish, coming 83rd overall; they were followed by Cooper Michaud earning himself an 18 second PR.
- Sean Stuck continued to show out for the team; the senior was the Eagles' fourth place finisher with a time of 23:37.4. Not far behind, eight seconds later, graduate student Nathan Reeves was the athlete that rounded out the top five in the event.
- Sophomore Carver Morgan finished off the personal bests on the men's side with his time of 25:49.5 being three seconds faster than his previously recorded fastest time.
OPEN 6K/8K RESULTS
21. Kirah Tianga, 23:50.4 (PR)
23.
Kylie Raymond, 23:56.6
26.
Annie Ripol, 23:58.3
37. Cassandra Daniele, 24:15.1 (PR)
51.
Sophia Staiger, 25:17.7
6.
Oscar Counsell, 25:40.9
13. Hayden Hauser, 25:51.2 (PR)
29.
Ethan Puc, 26.10.8
34.
Tucker Zullo, 26:17.5
62.
Danny O'Neill, 27:08.3
74. Jack Chandler, 27:34.1 (PR)
WOMEN'S 6K RESULTS
53.
June Mwaniki, 22:06.2
122. Callia Cordasco, 22:53.1 (PR)
156. Hannah Schwab, 23:13.9 (PR)
170.
Rachael Potter, 23:30.6
201. Estella Miller, 23:53.1 (PR)
214. Lucia Ianello, 24:07.6 (PR)
224.
Kate Riley, 24:17.8
229. Brooke Evans, 24:24.0 (PR)
242.
Skyler Tatum, 24:44.6
MEN'S 8K RESULTS
32. Kaden Kluth, 24:40.4 (PR)
83.
Row Sullivan, 25:15.2
110. Cooper Michaud, 25:32.4 (PR)
124.
Sean Stuck, 25:37.4
139.
Nathan Reeves, 25:45.3
152. Carver Morgan, 25:49.5 (PR)
224.
Michael Dua, 26:24.6
235.
David Manfredi, 26:34.1
NEXT UP
- The Eagles will return to action in two weeks' time on Saturday, October 28 at the Patriot League Championships hosted by Colgate University in Hamilton, New York.
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