Max Bardo Earns All-American Honors at NJCAA Cross Country Nationals
Max Bardo, a sophomore from SUNY Jamestown Community College (JCC), achieved national recognition. He excelled at the NJCAA Cross Country National Championships. The event occurred on November 11, 2023, in Roswell, New Mexico.
Bardo secured a top-10 finish in the Division III men’s race. This performance earned him First Team All-American honors. This designation is a major milestone. It signifies national-level excellence for a collegiate athlete. His dedication and training paid off on a demanding national stage.
Bardo’s Strong Performance
New Mexico Military Institute hosted the championships. Bardo ran an 8-kilometer race. He finished in 27 minutes and 32.4 seconds. This placed him 10th overall among Division III competitors. His result showcased exceptional skill and perseverance.
Coach David Pihlblad praised Bardo’s effort. “Max had a fantastic race,” Coach Pihlblad stated. “He earned First Team All-American honors. This is a tremendous achievement for him. We are very proud of his performance.” This success also brings great recognition to the JCC program.
JCC Men’s Team Achieves Top-10 National Finish
Bardo’s individual success also boosted the JCC men’s cross country team. The team demonstrated strong collective effort. They finished 10th overall in Division III standings. This marked a solid showing against formidable national teams.
Other JCC runners also contributed significantly. Noah Flurie finished 29th in 29:39.1. Sam Eimiller placed 49th with a time of 31:42.5. Kyle Smith secured 58th in 32:27.7. Lucas Bardo finished 66th in 33:17.3. Isaiah Sanchez earned 83rd place in 35:05.3. Each runner’s effort was vital for the team’s national ranking.
Coach Pihlblad noted the challenging course. “The course was extremely difficult,” he explained. “It featured steep hills and sandy sections. Our guys battled hard. Their determination was truly commendable.”
JCC Women’s Team Also Competes Nationally
The JCC women’s cross country team also competed vigorously. They showcased their talent and teamwork. The squad finished 11th in the Division III standings. Their race covered 5 kilometers.
Addyson Binkley led the women’s team. She completed her race in 23:36.5, placing 50th. Bella Odell followed at 66th (24:49.0). Megan Svenson placed 74th (25:31.0). Allison Binkley finished 83rd (26:15.8). Mya Odell rounded out the team, finishing 91st (26:59.0).
Both JCC teams demonstrated consistent dedication. They proudly represented SUNY Jamestown Community College. These student-athletes showed impressive sportsmanship and athletic ability. Their achievements highlight the strength of JCC’s cross country program on a national stage.
Source: observertoday.com
