September 10, 2005

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY - Umar Saeed broke the school record by over two minutes, finishing second overall (27:12) and leading the way as New Jersey Institute of Technology placed second as a team in its first men's cross country race of the season at the Vassar Invitational.

Host Vassar, paced by the top individual, Pat Murray, who won the race over the final 100 meters, nipped NJIT for team honors.

NJIT sophomore Duc Tran was 12th (30:38), shaving more than a minute off his 2004 time on the same course. Tran was one of several Highlanders who showed improvement from last year, as junior Mike Genauer's 31:17 (18th place) finish knocked 1:40 off his 2004 time and junior captain Dave Kloc (24th) took a minute off his old time, covering the course in 32:39. Sophomore Matthew Mangiafico nipped Kloc for 23rd place at 32:38. NJIT's team average was almost two minutes faster than in 2004, which was reflected in its strong second-place finish, up from sixth in the same race a year ago.

Next up for the Highlanders is the NJIT Classic on Sunday, September 18 at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. The men's race, which also includes Yeshiva and Dominican (NY) is scheduled to go off at 11:15 am.