Lycoming News

Mitchell Campbell's performance led the Penn College men's cross-country team to a third-place finish at the United East Cross-Country Championships in Abington, Pennsylvania. Campbell, a freshman, completed the 8K course at Lorimer Park in 28:37, securing an individual third place. His teammate, Matthew Woolcock, finished seventh with a time of 29:38. Both athletes received UE first-team honors for their achievements.

The men's race was won by Lancaster Bible's Mitchell Gray, who finished in 27:14. SUNY Morrisville took the team championship with 47 points, followed by St. Mary's (Md.) College with 80 points and Penn College with 91 points. This marked Penn College's best finish since they also placed third in 2018.

First-year coach Tom Leeser expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, stating, "A top-three finish by the men is outstanding. Three freshmen led the way (Campbell, Woolcock and Betts). Spencer Doughty and Alec Rees turned in solid races. Two first-team all-conference selections are a reward for our work and commitment."

On the women's side, Skyelar Splain led Penn College by finishing 16th on the 6K course in 31:23. Emily Witherow and Isabella Telford also competed but did not form a full team due to insufficient runners. St. Mary's (Md.) College won the women's team title with Madeleine Blaisdell leading individually in 26:08.

Coach Leeser noted improvement among his female athletes: "All three women ran significantly faster than they did on this course earlier this season. Splain missed second-team all-conference by two spots. (They showed) great growth and improvement!"

Penn College will next compete at the NCAA Division III Mid-Atlantic Region Championships at Lock Haven University on November 12.