NEW PALTZ, NY – Luca Maneri and Orquidea Briceno of the State University of New York New Paltz cross country program made history Saturday, Oct. 31, becoming the first Hawks to earn New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) All-Conference honors following standout performances at the 2026 NJAC Cross Country Championships.
The men's squad placed fifth overall in a competitive championship field, led by Maneri, who raced to a runner-up finish to secure First-Team All-Conference recognition. Maneri blazed through the 8-kilometer course in 25:01.01, averaging a 5:02 mile pace to finish second among the conference's top runners.
The performance added another accolade to an impressive fall campaign for Maneri, who has earned NJAC Athlete of the Week honors three times this season while also establishing a new program record in the 8K.
On the women's side, SUNY New Paltz finished sixth overall, highlighted by a stellar outing from senior Orquidea Briceno. Briceno placed 10th in the 6-kilometer race with a time of 23:08.01, averaging a 6:12.3 mile pace to secure Second-Team All-Conference honors.
Briceno's performance cemented her place alongside Maneri in program history as the first Hawks to receive NJAC All-Conference recognition in the program's inaugural season competing in the conference. The senior standout previously earned NJAC Athlete of the Week honors during the fall, adding another milestone to her final collegiate campaign.
Both Maneri and Briceno will look to carry their momentum into the NCAA Mideast Regional Championships on Saturday, Nov. 14, in Hartford, Connecticut, where they will lead their respective squads against regional competition.
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