Sparkill, N.Y. - The St. Thomas Aquinas Cross Country team welcomed back members of its alumni on Saturday, hosting a Homecoming and Reunion Weekend race at Tallman Mountain State Park.

The 5K event is designed to unite the many former Spartans (coaches and athletes) who helped shape the program over the years with current members of the squad in friendly competition.

"Its great to have our alumni back on campus, getting to know our current team", said Head Coach Ray Kondracki. "It is important for our younger Spartans to hear about the stories and hardwork that went into making this program as successful as it has been. Remembering the history of our program and all of the people who are responsible for it is also important to our growth and future". "There isn't a better way to connect the past and present by holding a little healthy competition too!", remarked Kondracki.

The current members of the St. Thomas Aquinas College Cross Country team now begin preparations for the upcoming NCAA Division II East Region Championships, which take place on Saturday, November 4 (12:00 p.m.) at the Hopkinton Fairgrounds in Hopkinton, New Hampshire.