Saint Mary's runs its first home cross country meet since 2021

Saint Mary's College hosted its first home cross country meet since the 2021 West Coast Conference Championships on Friday, September 18, at Newhall Park in Concord. The Saint Mary's Invitational featured the Moraga school's men's team securing second place in a field of 13 teams, marking a significant comeback for the Gaels after a long hiatus from hosting home meets. The event drew runners and spectators from across the region, providing a boost to local businesses and highlighting the area's suitability for athletic events.

The meet had a notable impact on the local community, as families and residents of Concord witnessed the competitive spirit of collegiate cross country. The course, a flat, hard-packed gravel route of four 2K loops, offered a challenging yet accessible route for both participants and spectators. The event at Newhall Park not only showcased the athletic prowess of the Gaels but also brought the community together, fostering a sense of pride and excitement among local residents. The Gaels' performance, with three top-10 individual finishes, underscored the team's readiness and competitive edge as they continue their season.

Saint Mary's College has a rich history in cross country, with the team traditionally being a strong competitor in the West Coast Conference. The last home meet in 2021 was part of the WCC Championships, and the return to hosting such an event underscores the college's commitment to athletics. The meet also aligns with the team's preseason expectations, as they were picked to finish third in the conference's preseason poll, with three transfers named to the preseason all-WCC team. The event was held on a course with parking available on Turtle Creek Road, and the men's 8,000-meter race started at 8:45 a.m.

The Gaels' performance at the Saint Mary's Invitational was a clear step up from their previous meet, where they finished 10th of 17 teams at the USF Invitational on September 4. Three Gaels finished in the top 10 of a 140-runner field, with Joseph O'Connell placing second overall in 23:05.6, Jacob Moffett third in 23:19.8, and Damian Frausto ninth in 23:29.6. This strong showing highlighted the team's readiness and competitive edge as they continue their season. The Gaels will continue their season with the Pacific Invitational at Micke Grove Golf Course in Lodi on Friday, October 2, followed by the Bill Dellinger Invitational on October 9, the Bronco Invitational on October 17, and the WCC Championships on October 30, culminating in the NCAA West Regionals on November 13.

Residents interested in following the Gaels' progress can visit the Saint Mary's Athletics website for updates and results. The return to hosting home meets is a testament to the college's dedication to fostering a vibrant athletic community in Concord. The Gaels' continued success in upcoming meets will be closely watched by both the local community and cross country enthusiasts across the region.