Roadrunners Compete at NJCAA National Championships

The GCC Men's and Women's Cross Country Teams at the NJCAA National Championship Banquet on November 4 at Holyoke CC in Holyoke, MASS. More photos on our Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/gccathletics

November 5, 2011 Holyoke, MA

The Gloucester County College cross country teams wrapped up the 2011 season at the NJCAA Division III National championships this week.  The meet was hosted by Holyoke Community College in Holyoke, Massachusetts.  Due to the unprecedented October Nor’easter that struck New England with disastrous force, the course that the championships were supposed to be run on was too damaged to use.  This weather situation caused the race to be pushed to a mostly road course.  The Roadrunners faced the changes and braved 27 degree weather at race time to finish the season well.

The women’s race went off first and was exciting right up till the end.  Rejeena Whittington led the Roadrunner ladies, as she has all season, with a strategic race.  She steadily moved up throughout the race, getting stronger and stronger, as the competitors in front of her were worn down by the hilly course.  Coming into the final stretch, Rejeena had a valiant battle for the final All-American spot, but came up just short and finished in 16^th place in 20:24 over the 5k course.  Next for GCC was Stephanie Lees just missing the 23:00 barrier as she placed 56^th.  Following behind her was the biggest surprise of the season, Jackie Hanley, placing 76^th in 24:32.  Rounding out the Roadrunner finishers was a strong pack composed of Avery Forte finishing 96^th in 27:15, Christina Lees finishing 97^th in 28:23 and Brittany Cook finishing 104^th in 30:12.  All of the women ran some of their best times of the season on what was one of the tougher courses they ran all year.  As a team, the Lady Roadrunners placed 12^th.

The highly anticipated men’s race came next.  Right from the gun, the Roadrunner men worked together in small packs as they have done all season.  Leading the way was Ozzie Huerta, finding his way to the lead pack as he has done in every race as a Roadrunner.  Unfortunately, Ozzie was not able to take control of the lead pack and ended his amazing GCC career with a 5^th place finish in 26:05 to earn his 8^th All-American title (Read more on Ozzie here).  Following Ozzie was freshman standout Courtney Malcolm, finishing in 36^th place in 27:49.  The men had their fastest race of the season, with the entire top 5 finishing in under 30:00 over the 8k course.  Jeff Bash had another breakthrough performance placing 49^th in 28:48. Danny Colon finished 66^th in 29:41 despite a bloody fall during the race and Joe Sacco was close behind placing 69^th in 29:47.  Wrapping up the race for GCC were Allen Jackson placing 92^nd in 30:37 and Erik Hudson finishing 115^th in 31:52.  As a team, the GCC men continued their streak of top 5 national finishes with a 5^th place finish.

For full results check this link from NJCAA.org... http://www.njcaa.org/Teams/cross%20country/2011F/2011_NJCAA_DIII_Mens_XC_Championship_Results.htm