Joey Wilson, a junior at DeSales University, had an impressive showing at the Harry Anderson Invitational, finishing in 10th place. His performance helped the men’s cross-country team secure fifth place overall, competing against tough NCAA Division II schools and some nationally ranked NCAA Division III teams.
Wilson clocked in at 25:14.6. Close behind him was junior Jozef Callano, who took 21st place with a time of 25:39.2. The team’s top seven runners included sophomore Bryce Phillips, who finished 70th at 27:03.6, and senior James Cook, who came in 77th with a time of 27:15.0. First-year runners Dylan Mariconda and Ryan Durkin placed 103rd and 107th with times of 27:47.3. Sophomore James Viglianti rounded out the scoring in 120th place at 28:12.2.
Other noteworthy performances came from fellow Bulldogs, including Jordan Smith (121st, 28:13.3), Brady Snyder (123rd, 28:21.3), and first-year Cody Doskocil (133rd, 28:34.8). The team showed strong potential, especially with fresh talent like freshmen Noah Zimmerman and Jack Tavani following closely behind.
DeSales University’s cross-country team is gearing up for another challenge. They will host their home invitational on October 11th, looking to improve upon this recent success.
Interestingly, cross-country running has seen a rise in popularity over the past few years. According to a 2022 report by the National Federation of State High School Associations, cross-country participation has increased by 13% nationwide since 2010. Many student-athletes find it not only a great way to stay fit but also a fantastic opportunity for scholarships.
This growing interest reflects a broader trend towards fitness and wellness among younger generations. With technology and social media encouraging more outdoor activities, running is becoming not just a sport, but a lifestyle for many.
For accurate data and insights on track and field participation trends, consider checking the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s reports.
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