ROCHESTER, N.Y. - The men's cross country team tackled their first 8k of the season, bringing home several personal bests and placing 23rd for the day.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Hawks geared up for their first 8k of the season at the Rochester Yellowjacket Cross Country Invitational, hosted by the University of Rochester. Avery Lungstrom (Bel Air, Md.) led the pack for the Hawks, clocking in to finish his first collegiate 8k at 30 minutes and 16 seconds.

Nearly 17 runners behind him was Larry McCumiskey (Delhi, N.Y.), who improved upon his 8k time by 29 seconds for a finish of 31 minutes and 7 seconds. Kevin Cando (Liberty, N.Y.) was another runner who achieved a PR in this race, shaving 37 seconds off of his time for a finish at 35 minutes and 21 seconds.

Overall, the Hawks would place 23rd out of 24 total teams at the Invitational, overtaking fellow Empire 8 conference member, Keuka College.

Results from the day can be found here.

COMMENTS FROM HEAD COACH NATE CREWS

"This was the first 8k course of the season, and– with such a young crew– that distance can be daunting. 8k is definitely long enough to make you pay later in the race if you don't respect it early. Regardless of the crew being so young, a lot of good came out of today. Four men faced the 8k for the first time and came out a bit wiser. Basil Metz ran a full minute faster than I had originally projected."

UP NEXT FOR THE HAWKS

The cross country teams will compete next in the SUNY Poly Wildcat Classic Invitational on Saturday, September 27th.

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.