Two Top 15 Finishers Pace PSUGA at WCCC Invitational

Youngwood, PA. - The Penn State Greater Allegheny Cross Country team got two top 15 finishes at the Westmoreland County CC Invitational on Friday. Both of PSUGA's competitors placed in the top half of the field representing PSUGA Cross Country.

After starting their first season since 2017 last time out, PSUGA runners had their eyes set on qualifying for the United States Collegiate Athletic Association National Championships. After nearly missing the mark a week ago, all three of PSUGA's competitors showed improvement.

Junior Max Shugerman (Turtle Creek, PA./Woodland Hills HS) led the way with his first top ten finish of the season. He ran the 5K race in 18:06 minutes finishing in ninth overall across the field.

Shugerman continues to write his name in the PSUGA Cross Country record books running the third fastest 5K time in school history. He missed the all-time record by 1:56, a record currently held by Michael Burchlaw who set the mark at 16:10.

James Plez (Philadelphia, PA./Northeast HS) was PSUGA's other competitor finishing 43rd overall with a time of 23:56. After not finishing at the Father Bede Invitational, Plez ran a strong race today setting a time standard for him to beat.

Eladia Kennedy (Pittsburgh, PA./Imani Christian Academy) ran on the female side for PSUGA and finished 11th overall with a 5K time of 26:58.She improved on her time from the opener by four minutes and continues to be a strong competitor for PSUGA.

The PSUGA Cross Country team took home it's first medal of the season with Shugerman earning a top 10 medal for the men. With the PSUAC Championships just over a month and a half away, they continue to make a strong push for nationals.

PSUGA Cross Country is back in action on Saturday, September 21st, at the PSU-Mont Alto Invitational. The meet will be held at Norlo Park, the same place as the PSUAC Championships.