USMMA Runs Past Field At Drew Invitational

MADISON, N.J. - The United States Merchant Marine Academy men's and women's cross country teams each posted team victories at the Drew Invitational Sunday in Madison.

On the women's side the Mariners finished with 27 points and produced the top two and six of the top ten finishers at the meet. Senior captain Callie Beeler won her third individual title of the season after navigating the course in 19:02, which was also the fastest 5k time in the league to date. Landmark Conference foe Drew University was USMMA's closest opponent with 35 points. This was the second straight and third invitational overall that the Mariners have won.  

Beeler was directly followed by Melissa Mejias, who clocked in at 19:52. After four opponents crossed the finish line, a platoon of five Mariners finished seventh through eleventh. They were Brittany Rossi (7th, 20:37), Lindsay Watkins (8th, 20:58), Christine Jaszlics (9th, 21:27), Katherine Woods (10th, 21:27) and Marjorie Marino (11th, 21:30).

The Mariner men finished with 15 points and produced the top six finishers at the meet. Freshman Alexander Ruiz won his first career individual title after navigating the 5k course in 16:40.

Landmark Conference foe Drew University was USMMA's closest opponent with 45 points. This was also the second straight invitational the Mariners have won.  

Ruiz was followed by Gary Kuehn (2nd, 16:43) Keith Wagner (3rd, 16:44), Brandon Barrett (4th, 17:00), Andrew Pfarner (5th, 17:10) and  David Vasquez (6th, 17:13). Additionally, Benjamin Aunan placed eighth overall in 17:40 and beat out all runners representing the Rangers.