September 9, 2006

BETHPAGE, NY - New Jersey Institute of Technology ran its first cross country meet of 2006 in the Hofstra Invitational conducted Saturday at Bethpage State Park on Long Island.

The Highlanders men finished fourth among the Division I teams entered, coming in behind the teams from Delaware, Hofstra and Wagner. The NJIT women were represented by freshman Cara Constantino, who cover the 5k course is 21:31.27, good for 34th place.

On the men's side junior Duc Tran led the way for NJIT, finishing 27th at 17:19.8 and sophomore Babatunde Busari was 29th (17:45). Busari, who was injured a year ago, made his first college cross country run on Saturday.

The Highlanders took 33rd through 42nd place, respectively. Here are those Highlanders and their times (listed in order of finish): Michael Gurlacz (17:58); Bryan Louvado (18:00); captain Dave Kloc (18:28); Michael Genauer (18:46); Drew Pennyfeather (19:05); Jamil Wilkins (19:40); Matthew Magnifico (20:09); John Zawisa (20:54) and Jeff Pierik-Page (22:38).

Two of NJIT's top runners did not compete on Saturday. Sophomore Umar Saeed, an all-East performer in 2005, and freshman Tchaz Amevor were out. Women's runner Jackie McCaffrey started the race, but withdrew part way through due to injury.

The next action for NJIT is Sunday, September 17, when the Highlanders host the NJIT Classic at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, NY. Expected guests are St. Francis of New York, Saint Peter's, Long Island University and Fairleigh Dickinson.