CONCORD, Calif. – Seattle University’s men’s cross country team had a race day for the ages Friday morning at Newhall Community Park in Concord, Calif., as junior Jeremy Posdon set a school record in the 8k and six total Redhawks broke into the all-time top-20 list with their performances at the Saint Mary’s Invitational.
“I’m pleased with how the teams raced for each other today,” said Acting Head Coach Alex Jensen. “It was good to get the rust off for the 20 who competed and we had some really strong performances that we’ll continue to build on.”
Posdon placed 16th overall in the field with a personal record and school record tie of 23:41.2. He lowered the previous record of 23:52.6, set by Yonas Sauers during the 2023 season. Also entering the top-five all-time were freshman Preston Schmidt, whose collegiate debut of 23:52.7 is third fastest, sophomore Roman Radecki, who lowered his PR to 24:02.8 for fourth fastest, and freshman Jovanny Lieb, whose collegiate debut of 24:03.4 is fifth fastest in program history.
Two more freshmen – Mateo Cafaro and Dylan Shugg – also entered Seattle U’s top-20 list in their collegiate debuts. Cafaro’s time of 24:31.5 ranks 11th and Shugg’s time of 24:56.3 ranks 17th.
The Redhawk men placed sixth overall in the field of 13 teams, finishing ahead of West Coast Conference foes San Francisco, Santa Clara and Pacific.
Senior Diana Camargo Solis paced the women’s team to a ninth-place team finish in the field of 15 teams. Camargo Solis placed 37th overall in 21:45. She was followed closely by a pair of freshmen as Emma Bellomy placed 44th in 21:57.8 and Rio Tabion placed 46th in 22:01.8. Lydia Dale was the Redhawks’ next finisher in 22:06.6 and freshman Aavi Bass rounded out the scoring five, crossing the finish in 22:18.5.
“With all of these races, it’s another learning experience and another chance to reflect, learn and get better for prime-time racing,” added Jensen. “We’ve still got a lot in the tank and we’re egger to get back and hit the grind stone. I’m glad we were able to keep the ball rolling after a great meet last week at Ash Creek.”
The Redhawks will head back out on the road once again next week, traveling back to Monmouth, Ore., for the second time this season, this time to compete in the Mike Johnson Cross Country Classic on Saturday, Sept. 26.