Wersan Breaks 5K Program Record at St. John's/Hofstra Invitational

Oakdale, N.Y. — The men's and women's cross country teams showed up to the St. John's Oakdale Campus for the St. John's/Hofstra Invitational on Saturday ready to preform, with three athletes garnering Skyline Conference accolades.  Senior Brian Wersan set a new program record for the Eagles, running the fastest-ever time in a 5K race.

The men, who ran 5 kilometers, placed 4th among Division II and II teams with 112 points, on the heels of first place team Adelphi who logged 26 points, LIU Post (47) and Molloy (87). Wersan's program record - the fastest 5000 meters in SJC history - placed 11th overall with a time of 15:56.  Wersan's performance also earned him his second consecutive Skyline Runner of the Week honor of the season. 

Wersans' teammate Nick Diaz was named Skyline Rookie of the week for the second consecutive time as his 17:01 dash made him the 55th person to cross the finish line.  SJC's John Afanador placed 54th in the race, followed by Rich Schimmel (75) and Kevin Sanders (79).  The men ranked 8th in five person averages with a score of 220 points.

The women, who ran 4 kilometers, placed 4th among Division II and III teams with 70 points, bested by Adelphi with 50 points, LIU Post (67) and DeSales (68).  With a time of 16:04, Brittany Guttieri was 13th to cross the finish line as the stellar performance also earned her a second consecutive Skyline Runner of the Week honor.  Guttieri was followed closely by teammates AnnMarie Zigrosser (22nd), Caitlyn Ryan (27th) and Lauren Waka (35th). With Jenna Pearsall's 54th place time of 17:32, the team ranked 7th for five person averages.

The Golden Eagles will race again on September 14 for the LIU Post Invitational in Brookville, N.Y.