September 10, 2008
Herkimer County Community College’s men’s and women’s cross country teams achieved a national ranking after their season opener. After running against Division I Syracuse University and Colgate along with top Region III competitors Mohawk Valley Community College and SUNY Delhi, both the men’s and women’s teams have been polled tenth in the nation.
The men’s team is led by freshman Ian Sanchez, Ossining, NY and has a strong group of first year runners including: Jake Raner, Mexico NY, Jose Maldonado, Ilion NY, Brian Majka, New York Mills NY, and Eric Green, Millerton NY. Second year runners include Nick Bloom, Chittenango NY, Glen Kelly, Queens NY, and Nick DeLango, Pawling NY. Head coach Julie DelMedico said “the chemistry between these runners is great and really seems to help on longer, more difficult practices as well as during meets. I think that by the end of the year the split times will be really incredible.”
The women are led by sophomores Kathleen Ozog, Ilion NY and Melissa Cleeton, Liverpool NY, Amanda Link, North Patchogue NY, Tammy Carney, Herkimer, and freshman Deena Kertesz, Pine Bush, NY. “The women are still getting into the swing of things after a rocky start, so to be ranked this early in the season is great. I can’t wait to see where we stand once we really utilize our potential,” said DelMedico.
The team’s next meet takes place Saturday, September 13 at the Oswego Invitational.