LORETTO, Pa. – Mercyhurst cross country is set to compete in their second NEC Championship this Saturday, November 1 with the men's 8K slated for an 11:00 AM start and the women's 5K at 12:00 PM, live streamed on NECFrontRow.
 

A Look Back

In their first NEC Championship appearance in 2024, the Mercyhurst women finished sixth out of nine teams, while the men placed eighth. This year marks the second NEC Championship for returning competitors Caitlin Dugan, Kaila Szczygielski, and Molly McIntyre on the women's side. For the men, Sawyer Bonnett, Xavier Mohamed, Alexander Rowe, and Daniel Derby will also compete in their second conference championship.
 

Words from Williamson

Cross country head coach Mike Williamson spoke about the team's excitement ahead of the weekend.

"We are very excited and prepared going into our second NEC Conference Championship race. The men's and women's teams have raced well throughout the season, running personal best times and placing well in some high profile races," Williamson said. "Both teams are looking to improve upon their debut season from last year and represent Mercyhurst in the NEC."
 

Setting the Pace

Men's Freshman Thomas Gaydos has made a strong debut season, earning four top-10 finishes, four NEC Prime Performer honors, and one NEC Rookie of the Week recognition. On the women's side, veterans Caitlin Dugan and Molly McIntyre have paced the Lakers, each earning NEC Prime Performer honors this season.
 

Season Bests

The Lakers have had a strong showing this season, let's take a look at our runners best times. 

Men's (8K): (CMU Invite)

• Thomas Gaydos: 25:07.20 

• Xavier Mohamed: 25:58.20

• Sawyer Bonnett: 26:08.60

• Camden Pierce: 26:33.40

• Daniel Derby: 26:55.20

• Max Dillaman: 27:34.30

• Alexander Rowe: 28:27.00

 

Women's (5K): 

• Molly McIntyre: 18:31.10 (CMU Invite)

• Caitlin Dugan: 18:36.80 (CMU Invite)

• Bella Homorody: 19:21.30 (CMU Invite)

• Rowan Milliron: 19:27.00 (CMU Invite) 

• Kaila Szczygielski: 19:43.50 (CMU Invite)

• Reagan Pettis: 20:12.8 (Louisville CC Classic)

• Kathleen Tarlo: 21:05.50 (CMU Invite)

• Hannah Palmer: 17:28.30 (SFU, 4K)

 

Participants

All of the NEC members will be competing in this race, with the addition of New Haven who recently joined the conference. Defending champions Central Connecticut State look to be challenged as they finished strong last year sweeping the board as both the men and women's teams took home first place finishes. 
 

Event Coverage

The NEC Cross Country Championship will be live streamed on NECFrontRow and updates throughout the event will be posted to the NEC's social media platforms. Click here to view the course map.
 

Scoring

The scoring format is as follows:

• The first five runners from each team will enter into scoring. 

• First place gets one point, Second place gets two, Third gets three, etc. 

• The team with the lowest total number of points will be declared the winner. 

• Ties will be broken by comparing the place finish of the five scoring members of the tied teams.

 

Stay up to date on all things Mercyhurst cross country via our social media platforms: @hurstxctf