Results

Freshman Eric Jenkins refuses to relinquish his post as the men's top runner as the rookie sensation claimed individual honors by winning the CCSU Ted Owens Invitational on Saturday afternoon with a victorious clip of 25:22.00.

The Portsmouth, N.H. native outran the second-place finisher (Sam Alexander – CCSU) by 31 seconds. Despite Jenkins enormous victory gap, the Huskies fell just one place short of winning the team event. Host Central Connecticut State clipped NU by just one place, totaling 29 points to the Huskies' 30 (in cross country, the lowest total wins as team configuration is computed by individual placements).

“Eric (Jenkins) had a phenomenal race,” men's distance coach Renny Waldron said. “I was hoping for a better performance from the rest of the team if we want to be competitive at New Englands (Oct. 9) and the CAA Championship.”

Senior Teddy Vrountas turned in a sound performance, as well, kicking out a fourth-place clip of 26:19.00. Brian Doyle, another newcomer who's proven his capabilities, registered a sixth-place time of 26:39.00 while sophomore Daniel Grant was right on his heels for eighth in 26:59.00.

Second-year harrier John Jantz looped the 8K challenge in 27:19 for 11th place. Rookie Michael MacKenzie, who led NU at last week's event, finished 14th with a mark of 27:30.00. Veteran James Pellerano rounded out Northeastern's contingent with a 17th-place effort of 27:38.00.

Jenkins' time of 25:22.00 was far and above the best time in New Britain, but the newcomer's fastest clip came on Sept. 11 after turning in a mark of 25:04.18 at Franklin Park.

Jenkins has led NU in every event he's competed and looks forward to pacing the Huskies in their return to Franklin Park on Saturday, Oct. for the New England Championship.