Cannoneers compete at NJCAA Region III Cross Country Championship; Natali and Rogers Qualify for NJCAA National Championship

CANANDAIGUA, NY - The Cannoneer harriers closed out their season Saturday at the National Junior College Athletic Association Region III Cross Country Championships hosted by the Finger Lakes Community College. The meet included 57 athletes competing over the 8K course. All three Jefferson runners set personal best times for the Finger Lake CC course. Freshman Jack Natali (Clayton, NY) led the Cannoneers with a ninth place overall finish in a personal best time of 30:00.8 for the 8K distance. In addition to setting a personal best time for the 8K distance, Natali also set a Cannoneer best time for that course, the previous being 30:57. By placing in the top ten, Natali also was named to the NJCAA All-Region III Team. Natali was followed by fellow freshman Charles Rogers who also covered the 8K course in a personal best time of 31:20.8 for 20th overall place. In addition to a personal best time, Rogers' time also qualified him for the NJCAA National Championships in two weeks. Freshman Jayden Vance-Mceachern completed the placing for the Cannoneers with a 38th place overall finish in a time of 35:28.7. Vance-Mceachern's time was 2 minutes and 45 seconds faster than his previous time on that course from five weeks ago.

By virtue of Jack Natali's placing and time at last week's MSAC Championship and Charles Rogers' time at the NJCAA Regional Championship, they both have qualified for the NJCAA National Championship to be held at Stanley Park in Westfield, MA on Saturday November 5th. Start time for the men's race is 11AM.