Zysk and Bowman Lead Generals Cross Country
CLINTON, N.Y. – The Herkimer Generals cross-country teams concluded their regular season, as well as their busiest week of the season on Wednesday (10/6) at the SUNY Delhi Bronco Weekday Classic, and on Saturday (10/9) at the Hamilton College Continental Invitational.
Kaylan Zysk (Little Falls/Little Falls, N.Y.) was the lone competitor for the women at both meets, but turned in sterling results on both occasions. She recorded her highest placing finish to date on Wednesday, finishing in 3rd place with a time of 22:27.2. However, on Saturday, Kaylan, against elevated competition (comprised mostly of NCAA D3 athletes), recorded her fastest time of the season by a wide and significant margin. After just missing said time at Delhi, Kaylan blistered the Hamilton College course in an excellent time of 21:08.1, her best performance of the season by nearly a minute and a half. The effort was good for 18th, but 2nd amongst NJCAA competitors.
The men continued to receive consistent performances from both Chase Bowman (West Canada Valley/Little Falls, N.Y.) and Chris Hardin (Rome Free Academy/Rome, N.Y.). On Wednesday, the men competed at the 5K distance, which considering they've been running 8K's and up all year is a significant drop in distance. This led to some fast paces for both runners, as Chris took advantage by completing the course in a time of 21:18.7, which was good for 28th. Chase, meanwhile, finished 35th in a time of 22:40.1 on Wednesday.
On Saturday, and now back up to the 8K distance, both men raced to their best performances of the season, as Chase took home 73rd with a time of 34:17.8, while Chris was one spot behind in 74th in a time of 34:21.2. Both runners averaged under 7:00 pace per mile, which is the first time that has happened this season.
With the regular season now concluded, the Generals now look forward to the Mountain Valley Conference Championship meet, which will be contested next Saturday (10/23) at a neutral-site location still to be announced.