The Howard Community College cross country team competed in the Region XX/MD JUCO Championships on Oct. 22 at Lake Fairfax Park in Virginia and came away with two individual champions, in addition to a men's team title with the women finishing as runner-ups.
"This was a very good day on a very tough course," said Dragons coach Steve Musselman, who was awarded the men's Coach of the Year for Region XX/MD JUCO. "After the course review, we talked about being a bit cautious. At the coaches meeting, the director even stated they would have marshals at the rough parts warning the athletes. One person took a tumble; but we were alright."
Abbey Starks placed first with a time of 21 minutes, 11 seconds on a very tough and windy 5k course. She was followed by Brenda Rosas (5th, 22.22), Maggie Niland (13th, 25:54), Kirsten Murrill 17th, 27:10), Brittany Nixon (18th, 27:40) and Elena Ciobanu (25th, 37:51). The women earned a second place team standing for the Region, while clinching third in the Maryland JUCO.
Corey Young was the men's champion with a time of 29 minutes, 49 seconds. Ryan Clocker placed 4th overall, with a time of 30 minutes, 33 seconds and was closely followed by Abraham Samuel (5th, 30:39), Scott Camp (6th, 32:36), Andrew Kastner (13th, 34:30), Nick Miguelino (14th, 34:49), Barrett Birsa (20th, 37:13) and Marc Morris (28th, 44:51). The strong individual finishes helped HCC claim first in Region XX and MD JUCO Conference.
Starks, Rosas, Young, Clocker, Samuel and Camp all earned All Region XX and All MD JUCO honors.
The Dragons are set to compete in the NJCAA National DIII championships on Nov. 12 at Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua NY.