The New Jersey City University (NJCU) women’s cross country team showed real grit and determination at the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Championship on November 1. Stockton University hosted the event in Galloway, N.J.
This tough 6k course pushed the Gothic Knights’ stamina to the limit. Several runners hit personal and season-best times, which is always satisfying to see.
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With a blend of experienced runners and fresh talent, NJCU’s women’s squad is starting to make a bigger mark in collegiate cross country. You can feel the momentum building, even if it’s still early days for some of these athletes.
Strong Individual Performances
The brisk temperatures didn’t slow the Gothic Knights during their second 6k race of the year. Veteran Reyanna Henderson led the team, finishing in 30:43.3—her best time this season—and grabbing 72nd place.
Henderson’s steady pace set the tone for the rest of the squad. Sometimes, all it takes is one runner pulling ahead to lift the whole group’s spirits.
Close Finishes and Career Highs
Senior Raven Orange was right behind Henderson, finishing just one-tenth of a second later with a career-best 30:43.4 and taking 73rd place. That kind of close finish really shows how much every second matters in cross country.
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First-year runner Kiona Webber also stood out, clocking in at 33:02.6 and cutting more than five minutes off her previous 6k time. She finished 77th overall—definitely someone to watch in the coming seasons.
Building Momentum
Senior Tonna Ogina pushed through to finish in 37:06.9, rounding out NJCU’s scoring runners in 84th place. These results show a team that’s still finding its groove but clearly moving in the right direction.
Progress in Conference Play
The NJAC Championship gave the Gothic Knights a real benchmark. Multiple personal bests and season records suggest that head coach and the support staff are helping the team make steady progress.
Supporting the Gothic Knights
If you want to keep up with NJCU’s athletic highlights, check out NJCUgothicknights.com or follow the team on social media. You’ll find race recaps, athlete spotlights, and a behind-the-scenes look at what drives these programs.
Why Local Support Matters
Cross country might not draw the same crowds as football or basketball, but community encouragement makes a difference. Every cheer, handshake, or shoutout in local media helps these student-athletes feel connected to their city.
Connecting Back to Jersey City
Outside of racing, NJCU’s cross country program adds something special to Jersey City’s sports scene. If you’re coming out for a meet or just want to see what the city has to offer, there are plenty of things to do in Jersey City that mix sports with local flavor.
Fans traveling for NJCU events can enjoy diverse dining, waterfront views, and historic landmarks scattered across the city districts. There’s always something to explore between races.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re coming to watch NJCU athletics, maybe take some time to explore where to stay in Jersey City. Plenty of Jersey City hotels sit close to campus, so you can roll out of bed and catch those early races or late games without much hassle.
If you’re not local, it’s worth looking into getting to Jersey City. Whether you hop on a train, drive, or take the ferry, a little planning goes a long way in making your trip smoother.
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Here is the source article for this story: Henderson Leads Women’s Cross Country at NJAC Championships – New Jersey City University Athletics