Newark, N.J. - On Saturday, the St. Thomas Aquinas Cross Country program battled a packed field of hungry competitors from Divisions I, II and III in the NJIT Highlander Challenge at Branch Brook Park in Newark, New Jersey. The Women's squad took home a seventh place finish in the event, while the men's team posted a 12th place finish.
Zoe Merryman was the top STAC finisher on the day with a time of 19:25.6, taking 15th overall in the women's 5K race. Following Merryman in order of finish were: Ciara Durcan (19:37.9), Isabella Esposito-Farino (20:59.7), Sophonie Michel (21:19.9), Emma Neil (21:29.4), Ciara Doyle (23:12.9), Samantha Frisbee (23:34.6), Kristen Kennedy (24:06.3) and Veronica Valentik (25:02.8).
Meanwhile, Pedro Mulero Martinez was the top Spartan finisher on the afternoon with a time of 28:07.0, placing 51st in the men's 8K event. Following Mulero Martinez in order of finish were: Kaleb Rayle (28:26.3), James Polisena (28:26.5), Charlie Moore (28:53.9), John Ciuffo (29:13.4), Colin Graham (30:32.3), Kyle Koenig (31:02.2), Ian Forsyth (34:17.6) and Luke Skardinski (37:14.4).
The Spartans will next host their annual Alumni Race on Saturday, October 19 at Tallman Mountain State Park in Sparkill, New York.