ROCHESTER, N.Y. - The Hawks closed out the cross country season at NCAA DIII Niagara Regionals hosted by RIT, with the women's team placing 19th overall and the men's team taking 26th.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The men's 8k kicked off the day as 27 different schools each competed for the top spot. Sophomore Devon Spalding (Mineola, N.Y.) would clock in at 29 minutes and 33 seconds to become the first Hawk to cross the finish line at 142nd place, and earning himself a new personal best. Only three seconds behind Spalding would be first-year Avery Lungstrom (Bel Air, Md.), who has posted consistent finishes throughout his rookie season.

They were followed closely by Basil Metz (Highland, N.Y.) and Erik Higgins (Buffalo, N.Y.), who finished only four seconds apart to claim 157th place and 158th place, respectively.

Finishing off the race for the men's team was Larry McCumiskey (Delhi, N.Y.), Calvin Higgins (Buffalo, N.Y.) and Jayden Perrera (Middle Village, N.Y.). The men's team would secure 26th place overall in team scoring, beating out conference rival SUNY Poly.

The women's 6k commenced shortly after at 11:30 AM, with Brynita Haas (Red Creek, N.Y.) again leading the pack as she has all season long. Haas would earn 65th place out of 163 runners and clock in only four seconds shy of a sub-24 minute performance, though she would still earn a new personal best. Behind her was Julia Weinschreider (Williamson, N.Y.) to take 111th place with a time of 26 minutes and 12 seconds.

First-year Amelia Steitz (Fairport, N.Y.) continued a consistent season and stayed in the 27 minute zone for the 6k, clocking in at 27 minutes and 13 seconds, a new personal best. All finishing within the 28th minute of the race were Liliana Van De Water (King Ferry, N.Y.), Addison Shank (Emmaus, Pa.), Emilia Murphy (Amsterdam, N.Y.). First-year Keziah Anderson (Rock Island, Ill.) would follow, concluding a solid race day for the Hawks.

The women's team would place 19th overall and beat out rivals SUNY Cobleskill, Hunter College, Alfred University, and SUNY Purchase.

Results from the day can be found here.

COMMENTS FROM HEAD COACH NATE CREWS

"It's always bittersweet to wrap up the cross country season. I'm really proud of what both teams accomplished this year. The conclusion of the season will bring some much needed rest to the team that's been competing since August, with the team receiving workouts to do beginning in May. We saw a lot of improvement both individually and as a program this season. The men averaged 30:21 for the 8k distance– the fastest average this team has seen in years. Spalding showed up when it mattered most this season running a 25 second personal best and leading the men's team across the line. Lungstrom got his first taste of an NCAA competition on the line today but still maintained his composure, running within 5 seconds of his personal best. Metz also toed the line at his first championship meet, running side by side with junior captain Erik Higgins. Both men crossed the line in 30:29 and 30:33 respectively. McCumiskey wrapped up our men's scoring positions with a solid mark today. The ladies climbed a spot this year at this meet, as Haas led the women with a huge new personal best of 24:04.  Weinschreider followed suit, nearly matching her time on the course from earlier this season. Steitz ran a new 8 second personal best, while Van De Water showed out by running over a minute faster today than she ever has. Rounding out the women's scoring positions, Shank ran her second fastest time this year."

About Hartwick College:
Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.