Harper wins fourth straight men's cross country national title

On Saturday in New York, the three-time defending NJCAA Division III men's cross country national champions made it four in a row.

Paced by sophomores Juan Barajas and Brennan Albuck, Harper College once again ran to victory in the national meet hosted by Finger Lakes Community College at Bruce Bridgman Cross Country Course in Canadaigua, N.Y.

Barajas won the individual championship in 27:29.9 with Albuck close behind, taking second and finishing in 27:32.5.

"They just put the hammer down," Macnider said of his top duo's performance over the last quarter-mile.

Harper had strength in numbers, too, finishing with 28 points - well ahead of runner-up Mohawk Valley (62) and very close to the national record for fewest points (22).

The Hawks had five runners crack the top 10, and all seven of Harper's entrants finished in the top 20.

• Ranked No. 1 for most of the season, the Harper women's team was looking for its first title under Macnider.

That goal eluded the Hawks, but they were still able to take second place, 26 points behind winner Mohawk Valley.

The top three finishers for Mohawk Valley each placed in the top five.

Despite battling injury for most of the season, sophomore Marisa Andreuccetti led the way for Harper by finishing 11th in 21:27.1.

"She ran a great race," Macnider said.

Harper freshman Silvia Catalan (14th) and sophomores Stephan Chaires (16th) and Lori Delfin (18th) each cracked the top 20.