Natali Qualifies for NJCAA National Championship

CANANDAIGUA, NY - Cannoneer cross country competed at the National Junior College Athletic Association Region III Cross Country Championships hosted by the Finger Lakes Community College on Saturday. The meet included 41 athletes and 10 men's teams competing over the challenging 8K course. Both Jack Natali and Charles Rogers improved significantly in their overall placement and race times compared to previous efforts on the FLCC course. Sophomore Jack Natali (Clayton, NY) led the Cannoneers with a fifth place overall finish (ninth in 2022) in a personal best time as well as a Cannoneer best time of 29:17 for the FLCC course. The previous best Cannoneer time set on the FLCC course by Natali was 30:00.8 (2022). By placing in the top ten, Natali was named to the NJCAA All-Region III Team. Natali was followed by fellow sophomore Charles Rogers (Adams, NY) who covered the 8K course for 16th overall place (20th in 2022) in a time of 32:07.7. "Both Jack and Charles put in their best efforts today by attacking the course and keeping to the planned race strategies", said Coach Chris Ummer. "Charles came up just a little short today, but I couldn't be any prouder of him and the effort he put in. Jack is still a few weeks away from his top form which we are planning for the National Championship in two weeks."

By virtue of his top ten placing, Natali qualified for the NJCAA National Championship to be held at John Hunt Cross Country Running Park in Huntsville, Alabama on Saturday November 11th. Start time for the men's race is 12 PM.