MONTGOMERY, NY – The Rider University men's cross country team finished second at the Jasper Winter XC Invitational to open the 2020-21 season Saturday afternoon at Twin Farms. The event featured five MAAC programs, with Monmouth taking the team title and Siena, Quinnipiac and Manhattan finishing behind the Broncs.
Junior
Ben Woodward (Blackwood, NJ/Highland Regional) led the way for the Broncs, finishing the 7,600-meter course in 26:21.3.
Kevin Heredia (Clifton, NJ/Clifton) was close behind in seventh at 26:27.9, while
Brian Spolarich (Oxford, NJ/Warren Hills Regional)(26:36.3) and
Richie Castaneda (Pennsauken, NJ/Camden Catholic)(26:40.4) rounded out the Top 10 in ninth and 10
th place, respectively.
Will Spector (Manalapan, NJ/Manalapan) was the fifth Rider finisher in 26:48.7, good for 13
th overall.
NOTES & QUOTES
"The men ran great today. It has been a really long time since we raced competitively and like a team. This group of guys has talked for a long time about taking a big step forward and we did that today. I'm really proud of them. Each guy was battling the entire race. We need to improve a bit on some things as we get ready for the MAAC Championships in 2 weeks."
"Ben and Kevin ran great today. They really stepped up and showed their fitness. We had so many guys that really came together and raced as a team. It's a great start and we need to carry it forward." –
Rider Head Coach Bob Hamer
- Siena's Brandon Olden was the individual winner, finishing in 25:37.0.
- Monmouth won as a team, with the second, third, fourth, eighth and 15
th-place finishers.
UP NEXT
The Broncs compete at MAAC Championships on March 5 at Seaview Golf Course in Galloway, NJ. The race is scheduled for noon.
