Penn State Brandywine Cross Country Invitational 2013
The Penn State Brandywine Cross Country invitational was once again a success due to the concerted efforts of our athletic director, Jim Gastner, and his assistants, Melissa Algeo and Bobbi Caprice. Volleyball and baseball athletes from Brandywine acted as our course marshalls and helpers in creating a safe and efficient race for five local teams – Bryn Mawr, Neumann, Valley Forge Military, Williamson Trade and Penn State Schuylkill; joined by Rutgers of Newark, New Jersey and our own Penn State Brandywine men's and women's teams.
In the women's competition, the Lady Lions of Brandywine finished 4th place behind Neumann, Rutgers and Bryn Mawr - all DIII schools with long standing programs. Jen Petrella led the way for our women's team with a 7th place finish overall and a solid time of 23:30 on her home course. Petrella was backed up by Kayla Csizmazia (15th, Ayannah Barnhill (20th), Jessica Maginnis (22nd), Dana Lou (25th), Taylor Brown (28th), Shwaya Mola and Crystal Bowman.
In the men's competition, Mike Puhl defended his individual championship in the 2012 Brandywine Invitational with an impressive run this year; leading his teammates to a 2nd place finish overall. The Brandywine men finished close behind a strong DIII opponent, Rutgers –Newark. Puhl was solidly backed up by Alex Rivera, Colin Clark, Jimmy Payne and Henry Lee. All Brandywine's competitors showed tremendous improvement in the short time since season's start.