The Sacred Heart University men’s cross country team won the Vermont Fall Foliage Invitational on Oct. 19, led by junior Michael Mason’s first-place finish with a time of 26:07.
The victory highlights a strong performance from the Pioneers, who had several runners place in the top ranks and demonstrated depth across their lineup. The result underscores the team’s progress this season and sets a positive tone for upcoming competitions.
Matthew Vene finished fourth overall with a time of 26:48, contributing to Sacred Heart’s lead. Jake Harold, Michael Maresca, and Demetri Franzese also placed inside the top 15, adding valuable points toward the team win. Alexander Armendariz and Harjaap Singh completed the scoring for Sacred Heart, helping secure what was described as an impressive and well-rounded team effort.
Mason achieved his best performance of the season at this meet. Vene earned his second top-10 finish of the year, while Harold also notched his second top-10 placement this season. Other notable finishes included Harold in ninth (27:15), Maresca in twelfth (27:21), Franzese in fifteenth (27:33), Armendariz in seventeenth (27:40), and Singh in twenty-second (27:51).
Looking ahead, the Pioneers will compete again on Friday, October 24, traveling to New Britain, Connecticut for the twentieth annual CCSU Mini Meet.
