The Ramapo College men’s and women’s cross country teams participated in the ninth-annual Border Battle, hosted by Rowan University at DREAM Park on Oct. 19. Both teams showcased solid performances.
The Ramapo men’s cross-country team finished 24th overall in a highly competitive race. Leading the way for the Roadrunners was senior Mohamed Nidaazzi, who crossed the finish line first for the team with a time of 26:55.9. He was followed closely by freshman James Brill, who finished second for the team with a time of 27:29.1, marking a new personal best.
Sophomore Brandon Meneses was just a second behind Brill, clocking in at 27:30.3, while sophomore Julian Mignone finished in 27:43.7, and freshman Nicolas Tucci rounded out the top five with a time of 28:13.6.
On the women’s side, the Roadrunners had a strong showing, finishing 15th overall in the competition. The women’s team also saw multiple personal bests, with several athletes reaching new milestones as they continue to improve throughout the season.
Senior Zoey Cassavell and sophomore Dale Leonard led Ramapo with their standout performances. Cassavell crossed the line in 22:31.3, not only leading the team but also setting a new personal best and placing 29th overall in a competitive field. Leonard followed closely behind, finishing 33rd with a time of 22:49.8.
The women’s team saw significant personal improvements across the board. Freshman Elena Guzman clocked in at 24:34.2, setting a new personal best, while freshman Jasmin Silva-Vargas and junior Francesca Cartagena followed with times of 24:40.6 and 24:46.9, respectively, each securing personal bests as well.
With strong performances at the Border Battle, both the men’s and women’s teams are now focusing their efforts on the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Cross Country Championships, scheduled for Nov. 2 at The College of New Jersey.
lkelyman@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of Ramapo Athletics
