The Suffolk County Community College Women’s Cross Country Team NJCAA Division III XC National Champions; Region XV Champions
(Long Island, NY) Anchored by two runners finishing in the top ten, Suffolk County Community College won the 2015 NJCAA Division III Women’s Cross Country Championship last Saturday. The Sharks clinched their program’s second national title and first since 2007.
Freshman Ryleigh Donegan was the first Suffolk County student-athlete to cross the finish line, cracking the top five with a time of 19:26.7. Coming in behind her teammate in sixth place was Sharks sophomore Leana Wiebelt, finishing with a time of 19:35.9.
(L to R): Ryleigh Donegan, Bridget Reiffert, Stacey Sinkoff, Kayla Clements, Ashlee Rommeney, Leana Wiebelt, Menely Genao, Coach Matt French. Photo Credit: SCCC.
Sophomore Kayla Clements completed the race in 20:06.3, contributing an 11th place finish to the Suffolk County effort. The Sharks other qualifying finishes came from freshman Menely Genao and sophomore Ashlee Rommeney. Genao’s 20:33.3 performance earned 19th place, while Rommeney took 37th with a time of 21:24.2.
Suffolk County Community College Athletic Director Kevin Foley lauded the team and Coach Matt French. “Coach French has done a tremendous job rebuilding the Women’s and Men’s Cross Country teams, “Foley said. “In two short years, through his leadership and dedication, Matt has lead Suffolk Cross Country and Track & Field into the national spotlight.”
“I and the entire college community are proud of our women’s cross country team and the championship efforts of our scholar athletes,” said Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun L. McKay.
“The ladies handled the expectations from their number one ranking with tenacity and maturity, getting the job done on the day it counted. I am proud of both the women and the men. Definitely a standout season for each team,” Coach Matt French said.
| Kayla Clements | Shirley | William Floyd | All-American (Honorable Mention) |
| Theresa DeFilippo | Patchogue | Patchogue-Medford | |
| Nora DiMaria | Commack | Commack | |
| Ryleigh Donegan | Center Moriches | Center Moriches | All-American (First-Team); USTFCCCA Northeast Region Women’s Athlete of the Year; Region XV Individual Champion |
| Haley Entenmann | Lake Ronkonkoma | Sachem North | |
| Menely Genao | Port Jefferson Station | Comsewogue | |
| Bridget Reiffert | Mastic | William Floyd | |
| Ashlee Rommeney | Ronkonkoma | Sachem East | |
| Stacey Sinkoff | Mt. Sinai | Mt. Sinai | |
| Kristen Starke | Eastport | Mepham | |
| Leana Wiebelt | East Setauket | Ward Melville | All-American (Second-Team) |
