Buffalo, NY, October 18, 2025
The Canisius Golden Griffins cross country teams wrapped up their regular season at the Alumni Classic, showing impressive performances. The women’s team took third place, bolstered by sophomore Kara Jennings’ personal best 5K time. The men’s team finished fourth, showcasing the potential of their freshmen in relay events. With the conclusion of the regular season, both teams are now focusing on preparations for the upcoming MAAC Championships, aiming for peak performance.
Canisius Golden Griffins Cross Country Teams Conclude Regular Season at Alumni Classic
Buffalo, NY – October 18, 2025: The Canisius Golden Griffins cross country teams concluded their regular season with a strong showing at the Alumni Classic, hosted on their home course. The women’s team secured third place overall, driven by standout performances from key runners. The men’s team finished fourth, highlighted by contributions from freshmen in relay events. This event marks a pivotal moment as the teams now shift focus to the upcoming MAAC Championships.
Women’s Team Delivers Solid Performance
The women’s squad demonstrated depth and determination, finishing third in the competitive field. Sophomore Kara Jennings led the charge, achieving a personal best time of 18:42 in the 5K race. Her performance set the tone for the team, showcasing improved speed and endurance developed throughout the season. Other team members contributed steady efforts, helping to solidify the third-place finish. This result reflects the women’s team’s consistency in recent competitions, building a foundation for postseason success.
Men’s Team Shows Promise in Relay and Individual Races
On the men’s side, the Golden Griffins placed fourth overall, with notable highlights from the freshman relay participants. These newer athletes brought fresh energy to the lineup, competing effectively in the relay format that emphasized teamwork and pacing. The team’s overall placement indicates resilience, especially on their familiar home course, where they could leverage course knowledge to optimize strategies. While individual times varied, the collective effort underscored the men’s squad’s potential heading into the championships.
Event Highlights and Team Momentum
The Alumni Classic served as an ideal capstone to the regular season, allowing both teams to test their mettle in a familiar setting. Hosted on Canisius’ home course, the meet featured challenging terrain that tested runners’ adaptability. Coach Mark Sullivan emphasized the event’s importance in generating momentum for the MAAC Championships. The competition provided valuable data on strengths and areas for refinement, enabling targeted training adjustments in the coming weeks.
Postseason Preparations Underway
With the regular season now behind them, Canisius athletes are prioritizing recovery and final preparations. This includes rest periods to prevent injuries, light training sessions to maintain fitness, and strategic planning for the championship course. The focus remains on peak performance, as the MAAC Championships will determine seeding and qualification opportunities for further regional and national events. Both teams enter this phase with optimism, bolstered by their recent results.
Broader Context of the Season
The 2025 cross country season has presented various challenges for college programs, including weather variability and competitive fields. For Canisius, the regular season included a mix of invitational meets that honed skills in diverse conditions. The Alumni Classic stood out as a home advantage, allowing the Golden Griffins to perform without travel fatigue. Historically, strong regular-season finishes have correlated with postseason advancements for the program, setting expectations high for this year.
Significance for Canisius Athletics
Cross country plays a vital role in Canisius’ athletic portfolio, fostering discipline and team spirit that benefit other sports. The Golden Griffins’ participation in the MAAC conference highlights their commitment to competitive excellence in Buffalo’s collegiate scene. As the teams prepare, the emphasis on recovery ensures they arrive at the championships in optimal condition. Fans and supporters can anticipate an exciting postseason run, where every race counts toward conference honors.
The conclusion of the regular season at the Alumni Classic positions the Canisius Golden Griffins well for what lies ahead. Their performances—third for the women and fourth for the men—provide a positive trajectory, with key athletes like Kara Jennings exemplifying the talent on the roster. As recovery protocols take center stage, the teams gear up for the MAAC Championships, ready to build on this momentum in pursuit of greater achievements.
FAQ
What event did the Canisius Golden Griffins cross country teams participate in on October 18, 2025?
The Canisius Golden Griffins cross country teams wrapped up their regular season at the Alumni Classic hosted on their home course.
How did the women’s team perform at the Alumni Classic?
The women’s squad finished third overall, led by sophomore standout Kara Jennings who clocked a personal best 5K time of 18:42.
What was the result for the men’s team?
Men’s team placed fourth, with highlights from freshman relay efforts.
What is the next focus for the Canisius cross country teams?
With the postseason looming, Canisius athletes are focused on recovery and final preparations.
What role did the Alumni Classic play in the season?
Coach Mark Sullivan noted the event’s role in building momentum for the MAAC Championships.
Performance Overview Chart
Below is a table summarizing the key features of the Canisius Golden Griffins’ performances at the Alumni Classic.
| Team | Placement | Key Highlight | Focus Post-Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s | Third overall | Sophomore Kara Jennings’ personal best 5K time of 18:42 | Recovery and MAAC Championships preparation |
| Men’s | Fourth | Highlights from freshman relay efforts | Recovery and MAAC Championships preparation |
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