NEW PALTZ, NY – The State University of New York New Paltz men's and women's cross country teams are set to compete in their first New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Cross Country Championships Saturday, hosted by The College of New Jersey. 

The Hawks will make their postseason debut as members of the NJAC after joining the conference as full-time members ahead of the 2026-27 academic year. 

The women's team enters championship weekend led by senior Orquidea Briceno, who earned NJAC Athlete of the Week honors earlier this season. Briceno placed 33rd in the Hawks' most recent outing at the Rowan Border Battle, navigating challenging course conditions to lead SUNY New Paltz. 

Alexandra Swink, Olivia Kruppo and Juliana Vanorden will also look to contribute following solid performances in their most recent appearances, as the Hawks prepare to test themselves against the loaded conference field. 

The women's championship race is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. 

On the men's side, SUNY New Paltz will be led by three-time NJAC Athlete of the Week Luca Maneri, who has put together a record-setting campaign. Maneri established a new program record in the 8-kilometer race at the RPI Fairgrounds Showdown, clocking a personal-best time of 24:52.8 to surpass the previous mark of 25:03.0 set by Galo Vasquez at the NCAA Regional in 2016. 

Maneri continued his strong season at the Rowan Border Battle, placing sixth overall despite muddy conditions while finishing as the top NJAC competitor in the field. 

Senior Anthony Willis has also provided a steady presence for the Hawks throughout the campaign, while Corbin Smith and Langston Comer will look to make an impact as SUNY New Paltz competes for its first NJAC championship. 

The men's championship race is scheduled to begin at 11:15 a.m. 

Rowan University enters the women's championship as the two-time defending conference champion, while TCNJ looks to defend its title on the men's side. 

Live results for both races will be available through Leone Timing.