Coffey breaks the tape, Fayette XC takes Conference
Penn State Men's Cross Country won its first ever PSUAC championship on Saturday at Norlo Park in Fayetteville, PA. They also crowned their first individual champion with Cameron Coffey (So., Brownsville) breaking the tape at the championship race.
Lead by Coach Joe Carei, the Roaring Lions dominated with four all-conference runners and their top 7 finishing in the top 15 of team scoring. The team finished with 27 points and was followed by Penn State Brandywine with 59 points and Penn State Dubois with 65 points to round out the top three teams. "We had a little adversity with one runner getting in a car accident and being on concussion protocol and another who battle back from a serious ankle injury, but they prevailed. I am really proud of our team," said Coach Carei.
Conference champion; Coffey crossed the line in 29:31, he was followed by Freshman Devin Pisarski (Connellsville) in 4th at 31:00. Also finishing all conference were; Freshman Michael Elliott (Beth-Center) in 11th and Senior Jesse Varndell (Albert Gallatin) in 14th. Pedro Tavarez(Jr, Central York) was 17th and Anthony Berdine (Fr., Washington) was 21st individually. Sophomore Kyle Slavic (Monesson) and Freshman Ben Wilson (Uniontown) were 24th and 25th respectively. Dalton Kirkpatrick (Sr., Connellsville) rounded out the team in 30th place, overall.
The victory also guaranteed the team an automatic berth to the USCAA National Cross Country Meet. The meet will be held in Virginia Beach, Va. on Friday, November 11.