LEBANON — The Penn State Berks men's cross country team came into the United East Cross Country Championship looking to defend their title as the host institution on Saturday, October 31. The Nittany Lions had four runners make the top-12 and earn a total of 50 points on the day as Berks went back-to-back, claiming their second ever United East Cross Country Championship in program history.

The Nittany Lions were led by Samuel Branford, who went fourth overall on the day with a 26:27.5. Adrian Maldonado followed behind, placing fifth as he ran a 26:35.5 while Trent Jordan secured eighth as he crossed the finish line with a 26:55.1. Cristian Corona-Olivares secured 12th as he crossed the finish line at 27:45.4 while Matteo Antonucci rounded the top-five scorers for the Nittany Lions, running a 28:10.5 to give him 21st. Alexander Gonzalez got a 31:10.6 on the day with teammate William Johnston-McCormack placing two spots behind him, running a 31:20.3 during the race. Mark Shiroshita (32:07.9), Alexander Phillips (35:36.0), Charles Bomberger (41:56.6), and Matthew Shellenberger (45:05.0) all rounded out the Berks runners during the championship race.

Berks saw five runners earn All-Conference honors, tied for the most in a season by the team, which they accomplished last season. Branford, Maldonado, and Jordan were all named to the United East All-Conference First Team, with Corona-Olivares making the All-Conference Second Team squad and Antonucci garnered All-Third Team honors. This championship win is the second in men's team in program history, with the squad going back-to-back in title wins as they repeated their feat from a season ago.

Three Berks runners ran top-10 times in program history. Branford ran a 26:27.5 time, second best in program history. Maldonado placed third all-time with his 26:35.5 finish. Jordan rounded it out as he ran the finish line with a 26:55.1, putting him at ninth in program history. Four different members of the Blue & White squad hold four of the five fastest times in program history. 

Maldonado was named United East Rookie of the Year, the highest finishing first year runner during the race. He is the second person in program history to earn that distinction, with as he joins fellow teammate Jordan in that category. Head coach Ryan Foster claims the United East Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year, the second time in program history a coach has earned that award with Foster being the recipient both times, with his first time earning that award last season.

WHAT'S NEXT

Berks will now prepare themselves for the NCAA Mideast Regional Championship, which takes place on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026.

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