Delaware Ends Season Strong at NIRCA Nationals

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The Delaware Club Cross Country team concluded their season at the 2024 NIRCA Nationals on Saturday, November 9th, at the hilly Hershey Parkview XC Course in Hershey, PA. Despite the difficult course, Delaware athletes embraced the lively atmosphere, capping off their season with strong performances and emotional finishes.

The day began with the Women’s Junior/Senior 6k, where senior Hannah Pash led the Blue Hens, crossing the finish line in 29:30. Pash celebrated a strong ending to her cross-country career. Senior Leah Goodman, battling back from illness, finished her last race in 32:27. Senior Aine Grubb wrapped up her cross-country journey in 33:27, marking an emotional end to her season. Seniors Emily Sposato (34:50) and Amanda Ciaramella (35:10) worked together throughout the race, pushing each other to finish their final collegiate races on a high note.

In the Men’s Junior/Senior 8k, senior Caden MacHenry led Delaware with a time of 34:32, closing out his senior season. Junior Liam Trageser followed with a strong effort of 36:54, while senior Joe Raziano wrapped up his cross-country career with a time of 39:40. Junior Ian Levine also had a strong finish, completing the race in 45:03.

Delaware’s men’s and women’s teams both earned spots in the championship races after impressive performances at Regionals. The Women’s Championship 6k was led by senior Lauren Pollock, who ended her incredible season with a standout time of 25:57 on the tough Hershey course. Sophomore Claire Merchant followed with a strong performance, finishing in 27:02, highlighting her success this season. Junior Jade Barrett crossed the line in 27:23, concluding another consistent season. Freshman Zoe Morawski (27:56) and sophomore Kate Kershaw (28:07) crossed the line back to back with respectable times. Sophomores Marleigh Ballard (28:32) and Natalie Greger (28:45) rounded out Delaware’s top seven with notable performances to conclude their sophomore seasons.

In the Men’s Championship 8k, junior Brady Sheaffer led for Delaware with an impressive time of 27:09, concluding his dominant season. Junior Evan Diefenbeck followed closely with a strong finish in 28:08. Freshmen Sebastiano Vandoni (28:41) and Michael Colavito (28:57) closed their standout debut seasons with impressive times, showcasing their potential and promising future. Junior Dave Kelly (29:14) broke 30 minutes on the difficult course, while junior Josh Pawlik rounded out the team, finishing a successful season in 30:55.

Delaware’s underclassman women’s 6k delivered more notable performances on the challenging course. Sophomore Alli Hartman led the Blue Hens, crossing the line in 28:38. Sophomore Erika Danysh followed, breaking the 30-minute mark with a time of 29:51, while Greta Bretz was close behind at 30:00. Sophomore Anna Callaghan ended her sophomore season with a time of 31:13, and freshman Caroline O’Neill rounded out Delaware’s top five with a solid finish of 31:58.

In the underclassman men’s 8k, sophomore Sean Simonini had a breakout race, leading Delaware with a time of 31:44. Sophomore Dylan Aks showed his hard work paying off, finishing next at 31:53. Freshman Aiden Loy was not far behind, crossing the line in 31:56, while freshman Max Gillen impressed with his time of 32:26. Sophomore Cole Donnelly rounded out Delaware’s top five underclassman men with a strong finish of 32:41.

A notable mention for Coach Mark Keese and junior Jack Pelczar, who ran the open 6k and crossed the line together in 33:03 creating a core memory for both of them and the team!

Although Delaware’s cross-country season has come to an end, the team is already looking ahead to the winter and spring track seasons!

Full results can be found here.

Senior Aine Grubb during her race.
Senior Caden MacHenry during his race.
Our 2024 NIRCA Nationals team!

Delaware Men and Women Earn Top 10 Finish with Individual Highlights

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On October 19, 2024, the Delaware Club Cross Country team competed at the NIRCA Mid-Atlantic Regionals, at Lehigh University. Both the men’s and women’s teams placed 8th, with the men averaging 27:27 for the 8k, and the women 25:34 for the 6k. This achievement qualifies both teams for the varsity championship races at NIRCA Nationals in Hershey, PA, on November 8th and 9th.

Junior Brady Sheaffer and Senior Lauren Pollock continue to lead, each earning individual qualifying spots for Nationals. Brady Sheaffer placed 21st in the men’s race with a personal best of 26:28, which now ranks him 4th on Lehigh’s all-time performance list. Lauren Pollock secured 17th place in the women’s race with a huge personal best of 24:02, making her the third-fastest runner on the Lehigh course for Club XCTF and the fifth-fastest 6K performer in club history.

In the women’s 6k the Blue Hens were led by Lauren Pollock and her impressive performance, followed by Sophomore Claire Merchant, who clocked a personal best of 25:00. Freshman Zoe Morawski followed and ran a new personal best of 26:08. Junior Jade Barrett was next for Delaware finishing in 26:18.70. Sophomores Kate Kershaw and Marleigh Ballard broke the 27-minute barrier with their times of 26:22.9 and 26:32.2 respectively. Sophomore Natalie Greger completed the top 7 for the Blue Hens, setting a personal best of 26:35.7.

Brady Sheaffer led Delaware in the men’s 8k team, while junior Dave Kelly ran a personal best of 27:25.4 to finish second for Delaware. Junior Evan Diefenbeck was right behind in 27:28, followed by Freshman Sebastiano Vandoni, who impressed with a time of 27:50.7. Freshman Michael Colavito ran a solid 28:06, while Juniors Josh and Evan Pawlik finished together with times of 29:35.2 and 29:36.5, respectively, both breaking the 30-minute mark. Sophomore Ryan Healy also broke the 30-minute barrier with a personal best of 29:46.5.

Delaware demonstrated the results of their training throughout the season, with many runners achieving personal bests. As they prepare for NIRCA Nationals in Hershey, PA, on November 8th and 9th, the team is excited to finish their fall season strong!

Full results can be found here.

Brady Sheaffer leading the Blue Hens.
Jade Barrett finishing strong.
Women’s team pre-race.
Team photo at Regionals!

Blue Hens Exceed Expectations at DeSales Invitational

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Delaware Club Cross Country continued its successful season at the DeSales Invitational, where both the men’s and women’s teams finished 6th overall, competing against Division II and Division III schools. Despite rolling hills, our athletes performed exceptionally well, achieving personal records as they continue into the second half of the season.

The men’s 8k kicked off the meet, and junior Brady Sheaffer continued his strong season, finishing 4th overall with a personal best time of 26:31.50 and securing an award! Sophomore Dave Kelly made an impressive 8k debut in 28:06.80, securing 31st place and 2nd on the team. Freshman Michael Colavito finished within the top 40 with a breakout time of 28:16.20. Freshman Sebastian Vandoni was next for the Blue Hens placed at 29:17.10. Junior Josh Pawlik achieved his second fastest time just under 30 in 29:59.30. Sophmore Ryan Healy had an impressive personal best of over a minute in 30:01.30. Junior Evan Diefenbeck rounded out the Delaware top seven in 30:02.70.

The women’s 6k followed and did not fall short of impressive performances. Senior Lauren Pollock led the Blue Hens with a strong 20th-place finish, setting a personal best time of 25:11.10, also earning an award! Sophomore Claire Merchant was next for Delaware placing in the top 25 with a time of 25:43.30. Freshman Zoe Morawski delivered a solid performance, clocking in at 26:41.50. Sophomore Kate Kershaw achieved a new personal best, crossing the line at 27:09.20. While sophomore Marleigh Ballard maintained her consistency finishing 5th on the team with her time of 27:45.80. Sophomore Natalie Greger followed closely after clocking in at 27:53.70. Rounding out the top Delaware women, sophomores Anna Callaghan and Carly Curnutt finished strong with times of 28:57.30 and 28:59.30, respectively.

With personal bests and strong performances all around, the team is looking forward to a championship season. Delaware Cross Country will continue its season this Saturday, October 19th, as they head to Lehigh University for the NIRCA Regionals!

Full results can be found here.

Kate Kershaw smiling through her race.
Josh Pawlik working hard.

Men’s Team Secures Strong Second Place; Women’s Team Finishes Third at Delaware Invitational

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Delaware Club Cross Country made the short trip to White Clay Creek State Park on September 20th, to compete in the Delaware Invitational. Alongside the University of Delaware Women’s Cross Country team, the Blue Hens faced a tough field and a challenging course as they aimed to perform well on their home turf. Continuing their strong performances this season, Lauren Pollock and Brady Sheaffer once again led their teams, with the women’s team finishing third overall and the men’s team taking second.

Leading the women’s 5k for Delaware, was senior Lauren Pollock achieving a course personal best, finishing in 28th place with a time of 21:17.80. Sophomore Claire Merchant continued her success this season, finishing next for the Blue Hens in 22:14.90. Junior Katie Burke followed closely behind with a time of 22:35.80, and junior Jade Barrett finished right after in 22:40. Freshman Zoe Morawski made a solid debut at White Clay, clocking in at 23:00.20. Rounding out the top seven was sophomores Kate Kershaw in 23:02.20, and Marleigh Ballard in 23:06.60. Everyone’s efforts contributed to the women’s team finishing strong in third place against strong competition.

In the men’s 8k, junior Brady Sheaffer had another impressive performance placing 3rd overall with a time of 28:25.0. Following was Junior Evan Diefenbeck in a respectable 29:15. Freshman Sebastian Vandoni continued his successful season by securing 8th place in 30:03.5, closely followed by freshman Michael Colavito in 9th with a time of 30:04.8 finishing top 10. Juniors Josh and Evan Pawlik showcased their competitive spirit, finishing 16th and 17th, respectively, with times of 31:49.0 and 31:52.0. Sophomores Ryan Healy and Sean Simonini finished 18th and 19th in 32:10.0 and 32:22.8 respectively both placing in the top 20 overall. With their hard work paying off, the men’s team secured a strong second-place finish, showcasing their talent on their home course.

Delaware’s cross-country runners will continue to train and head to DeSales University on October 12th to continue their competitive season!

Full results can be found here.

Sebastian Vandoni mid-race.
Zoe Morawski finishing strong.

Blue Hens Shine at 48th Gary P. Lister Bottle & Cork 5K

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UD Club XCTF opened their 2024 season at the 48th Gary P. Lister Bottle & Cork Ten Miler/5K in Dewey Beach, Delaware, on Saturday, September 7, 2024. The team exceeded expectations, with many athletes delivering impressive performances.

Junior Brady Sheaffer had an exceptional race, defending his title and taking first place overall with a winning time of 16:33.8 in the 5K. Freshman Michael Colavito started his collegiate career strong with a second-place finish and a time of 17:16.3, while graduate student Michiel Van Eyck secured third in 17:22.2. Freshman Sebastiano Vandoni placed fourth with a respectable time of 17:32.4, and sophomore Ryan Healy followed in fifth at 18:03.9. Seniors Sean Bernardo (18:12.4), Michael Anderson (18:33.2), and junior Josh Pawlik (18:34.0) also secured top ten finishes, showcasing the depth of the men’s team.

On the women’s side, sophomore Ella Maletta led the pack, placing first overall in the 5K with a time of 20:36.6, successfully defending her title. Sophomore Claire Merchant closely followed in second with a time of 20:44.8, while senior Lauren Pollock secured third place, finishing in 20:48.7 and shattering her personal best. Sophomore Maddy Neyra took fourth with a time of 21:49.4, followed by Susan Kuhn in fifth with 22:00.3. Freshman Zoe Morawski finished sixth with a time of 22:05.1. The Blue Hens continued to dominate, with strong finishes from sophomores Kate Kershaw (22:11.8), Samantha Paez (22:55.1), Carly Curnutt (23:22.7), Marleigh Ballard (23:22.7), and Allison Hartman (23:22.7), all placing within the top ten.

In the 10-mile race, junior Evan Diefenbeck dominated, winning by six minutes with a time of 58:47.6. Senior Nick Smith also delivered a strong performance, finishing seventh overall with a time of 1:08:05.5.

An honorable mention goes to all of our Delaware runners who competed, the freshmen for completing their first collegiate race, and our sprinters for crushing this 5K!

Our cross-country team looks ahead to next week’s official season opener on September 14th at the DC Invite in Derwood, MD!

Full results can be found here.

Women’s team before the race.
Maddy Neyra smiling to the finish!
Brady Sheaffer leading the race.
Post-race team beach day!