Essex County College Cross-Country Teams Win Regionals – Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Paced by a pair of outstanding sophomores, Essex County College’s men’s and women’s cross-country teams recently emerged as Region 19 champions, capturing the titles in Newark, Delaware.

According to a news release from the college:

  • Sophomore Davian Gray traversed the five-mile course in 27:50, a full three minutes faster than his nearest competitor. Sophomore Megan Thompson completed her 3.2-mile run in 21:28 in winning the women’s title.
  • Other ECC finishers for the men were Khabeeba Mills (2nd), Daniel McDonald-Hymon (4th), Mohammed Soumare (5th) and Daniel Cunningham (7th). On the women’s side it was Zoey-Ann Wint (2nd), Khadija Lynch (3rd) Delverna Broomfield (5th) and Kayla Charles (6th).
  • The Women’s team is ranked 24th in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), its highest ranking ever.

“I am so proud of these young men and women,” coach Lionel Leach said. “After a five-year drought, it feels good to bring the regional championship back home.”

“I’m extremely proud of the perseverance of our student-athletes, especially with all the COVID-related challenges they have had to face, to reach such a high standard of excellence,” athletic director Michael Doughtie agreed.

“Once again, our student-athletes and coaches have done our college proud,” president Augustine Boakye said. “Congratulations to all on a job well done.”