Men's Cross Country 11/8/2024 2:42:00 PM

MXC NJCAA DIII National Championships Preview

Mechanicsville, VA: The 2024 NJCAA Division III Cross Country National Championships will take place on Saturday, November 9, at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville, Virginia, with the men's 8K race set to begin at 1:00 PM. Hosted by Richmond Region Tourism, this highly anticipated meet promises to be an intense battle for supremacy in the NJCAA ranks. The Harper Hawks, ranked second nationally, will be looking to defend their national title and claim the program's 10th championship in school history.

Coming off a dominant victory in 2023, the Hawks are poised to challenge for the top spot once again, but they will face stiff competition from Region 4 rival College of DuPage, the current top-ranked team. After a decisive win at the Region 4 Championships, DuPage enters the meet as the team to beat, but Harper's deep roster of experienced runners makes them a formidable contender. The race will be wide open, and every step will count for the Hawks as they attempt to replicate their championship-winning form.

In a preview of what's to come at nationals, the Hawks finished second to DuPage at the Region 4 Championships, held just a few weeks ago. DuPage dominated the meet, but Harper wasn't far behind, securing the runner-up spot and comfortably holding off third-place Joliet Junior College, which is also ranked third nationally.

The Hawks' strong finish in the region shows that they are peaking at the right time, despite the formidable presence of DuPage. However, the national championship will be a different kind of challenge. DuPage, led by the top-ranked individual in the nation, Kevin Diederich, is a well-oiled machine, and Joliet, with their No. 3 ranking, will also have a strong say in the outcome.

But Harper's experienced lineup, featuring two All-Americans and a promising group of newcomers, has the depth and talent to make a push for their 10th national title. The Hawks' strength is in their depth—particularly in their sophomores runners, all of whom have previous championship experience. These veterans will be key to their quest for another national title.

-Owen Whelan, an All-American and All-Region selection last year, and All-Region selection this year, has consistently been the Hawks' top runner. Whelan, ranked 5th nationally, has had several strong performances this season, including running 26:18 at the NCC XC Invite and winning the Heartland Invitational. His experience and leadership will be vital in the championship race.

-Jose Morales, an All-American selection last year and steady presence for the Hawks, has been equally impressive this season. He ranks 9th nationally and has run in 26:48, putting him in a strong position to contribute to the team's efforts on Saturday.

-Jason Schmidt (ranked 10th nationally) and Konrad Jakubowski (ranked 16th nationally) have also run strong times of 26:56 and 27:21, respectively. Both bring important experience from the 2023 championship team and will play crucial roles in the Hawks' team score.

-Connor Ariunbat, a freshman, has been one of the team's top performers this season, running 26:39 and currently ranked 6th nationally. His potential to compete at the front of the race makes him a wild card for the Hawks, as he could easily place among the nation's elite at the meet.

-Freshmen rounding out the squad are Jerome Graessle (ranked 17th nationally, 27:28) and Michael Johnson (ranked 25th nationally, 28:14), both of whom have been solid contributors throughout the season. Their performances will be essential in providing depth for the Hawks, especially if the team's scoring spots come down to close finishes.

Every one of the Hawks' seven runners has the potential to contribute to the team's overall score, and as always, their depth will be key. The team's success at nationals will come down to how well they can pack together and push each other in a tightly contested race.

The biggest threat to Harper's title defense will undoubtedly come from the Chaparrals. DuPage is led by Kevin Diederich, who finished second in last year's national race and has been dominant this season, currently ranked 1st overall. Diederich's performance at nationals will be critical for DuPage's chances at the team title, but they also boast a strong supporting cast, including:

-Miguel Capulin, ranked 4th nationally, who has consistently been one of their top performers.
-Roman Nevarez, ranked 8th, and Jack Schultz, ranked 12th, will both play significant roles in DuPage's overall score.
-Addisu Wolski, ranked 14th, rounds out a deep and talented top five for the Chaparrals.

Joliet will also be in the mix for the team championship, led by Nathan Ciarlette, ranked 2nd, and Gavin Carlson, ranked 7th. Their third runner, Caleb Kies, ranked 21st, and their depth will need to step up if the Wolves are to challenge for a national title.

Other notable individual contenders for the national title or All-American status include Kevin Borst (ranked 3rd, Kellogg), Paul Clark (ranked 11th, Onondaga), Matthew Morena (ranked 13th, Union County), and Oliver Campbell (ranked 15th, Oxford).

With the competition as strong as it is, every runner for the Hawks will need to bring their best. Any of the seven have All-American potential. From the Hawks' lead runner Whelan, the middle pack of Ariunbat, Morales, and Schmidt, to the crucial supporting roles of Jakubowski, Graessle, and Johnson, the Hawks will be put to the test. Any one of these seven runners could propel the team to victory, and every position will count in what is expected to be a tight, hard-fought contest.

The race at Pole Green Park will be a true test of both individual talent and team strategy. The Hawks have the experience, the depth, and the leadership to claim their 10th national title, but they will need to execute their plan perfectly to outlast the challenge from DuPage, Joliet, and the rest of the field.

With everything on the line, the Hawks are ready to rise to the occasion and defend their national title. Every step will count from all seven. The results will come down to the final ones on Saturday afternoon. As Schmidt elegantly put it, "when you pave your own path, the road is easy."

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Players Mentioned

Konrad Jakubowski: Sophomore

Jose Morales: Sophomore

Jason Schmidt: Sophomore

Owen Whelan: Sophomore

Jerome Graessle: Freshman

Connor Ariunbat: Freshman

Michael Johnson: Freshman

Players Mentioned

Konrad Jakubowski
: Sophomore

Jose Morales
: Sophomore

Jason Schmidt
: Sophomore

Owen Whelan
: Sophomore

Jerome Graessle
: Freshman

Connor Ariunbat
: Freshman

Michael Johnson
: Freshman