Cross Country Shows Improvement at Harry F. Anderson Invitational

September 27, 2025

The SUNY Erie cross country teams continued their season at the Harry F. Anderson Invitational, hosted by Roberts Wesleyan University. The meet featured top-tier competition from ranked NCAA Division II and Division III programs, along with several NJCAA teams, giving the Kats a valuable mid-season test.

Women's 5K Recap

The SUNY Erie women placed 15th as a team, with a collection of impressive individual performances.

Emma Palumbo led the way, placing 137th overall in 22:38.5, and finished as the top NJCAA athlete in the field. Madison Palumbo followed in 162nd with a time of 25:40.9, a significant improvement from her first race at Finger Lakes.

Alondra Morales ran a personal best to place 177th in 33:19.2, while Megan Martinez followed closely behind in 178th (33:35.4). Erik Blersch and Gianna Brooks rounded out the team in 180th (34:07.5) and 182nd (35:29.7), respectively. Rahaf Altorjman also completed the race but was omitted from the official results due to a timing error.

Men's 8K Recap

SUNY Erie's men's squad continued its development as both runners took on a deep and challenging 8k field.

Lukas Heerdt finished 228th in 33:35.4, continuing to gain experience in his first collegiate season. Janek McLeod crossed in 236th with a time of 35:25.6, improving on his early-season efforts.

From the Coach
"The men are on track, making progress and learning the 8k distance," said Head Coach Chris Muldoon. "The women had an excellent day, with some big PRs. These large invitationals are great learning opportunities, especially against this level of competition."

Next Up

The Kats return to racing on Saturday, October 4, at the Kara Hall Memorial Invitational, hosted by SUNY Fredonia.