Cross Country Finishes Third in Men's and Women's National Championship Meets

Lemont Furnace, Pa. – The Christendom College men's and women's cross country teams capped off their 2025 season in outstanding fashion at the USCAA National Championships, hosted by Penn State Fayette. Racing with full squads for the first time since August, the Crusaders battled through a challenging, hilly course to secure third-place team finishes on both the men's and women's sides — marking one of the program's most successful national outings to date.

After several weeks of focused hill training in preparation for the PSU-Fayette course, both teams entered Nationals with determination and a full lineup, including two runners returning from early-season injuries. The result was a day of gritty, smart racing that showcased the program's growth and depth.

Women's Team – 3rd Place Overall

The women's squad delivered an inspiring team effort, led by freshman Grace Kristine, who placed 20th overall with a time of 28:36. Sophomore Jadzia Hamm capped off a season of consistent improvement with a 25th-place finish (29:41) — more than a minute faster than her performance on the same course at last year's Nationals.

Freshman Lillian Mayville followed closely behind in 26th place, with Myri Parsons finishing in 30:35, only 19 seconds off her personal record from the flat Gettysburg course. Freshman Lily Bettcher delivered one of her most determined races of the year, finishing in 31:30, just three seconds shy of her PR. Rounding out the lineup, freshman Hannah Masterson broke her 6k personal best with a time of 32:17, a remarkable comeback after missing much of the season due to an Achilles injury.

With five freshmen and one sophomore, the women's team's third-place national finish marks a major milestone for this young group — and sets a promising foundation for seasons to come.

Men's Team – 3rd Place Overall

The men's team matched the women's success, earning third place overall, narrowly missing the runner-up position by just two points.

Senior captain Alex Girata once again led the Crusaders, closing his collegiate career in style with a time of 30:25 — finishing just 0.1 seconds ahead of freshman Robert Wright, who continued his breakout season with another strong performance. Both Girata and Wright were named to the USCAA Men's All-American Team for their top-tier finishes.

Freshman Joseph Beerer ran a career-best race, setting a new personal record of 32:11 to place 24th overall in his first full 8k season. Senior Thomas Cahill, competing through illness, followed close behind in 26th place, while senior Thomas Cole rounded out the team with a 36:06 finish — a commendable effort after missing much of the season recovering from injury and racing in only his second career 8k.

With both teams on the national podium and every athlete contributing to season-best efforts, the Crusaders closed out their year with momentum and pride

The 2025 season saw Christendom achieve consistent progress, and a spirit of resilience that promises even greater results in the years ahead.