Schuylkill Cross Country Shines at Nationals and PSUAC Championships
Lions close season with PSUAC women’s title and top national finishes at USCAA meet.
The Penn State Schuylkill men's and women's cross country teams closed out an impressive 2025 campaign at the USCAA National Championships and PSUAC Invitational, held concurrently on November 8. The event brought together programs from across the country and the PSUAC for the final meet of the fall, where the Lions showcased depth, determination, and team pride.
Women's Recap – PSUAC Champions / National Top Finishers
The women's squad continued its standout season by claiming the 2025 PSUAC Championship, led by sophomore Lilley Anderson, who earned Top-10 honors in the USCAA National field with a time of 26:39.30—good for ninth overall and recognition as a USCAA Second-Team All-American.
Freshman Addison Zimmerman (30:14.20) and senior Jiayi Gong (31:08.30) provided key mid-pack support, while Abigail Smithnosky (32:09.60) and sophomore Hanna Bulles (39:13.90) rounded out the scoring five. Sophomore Jessica Cecil (40:24.40) completed the lineup for Schuylkill.
Their efforts propelled the Lions to a first-place PSUAC finish and fifth overall among USCAA competitors, marking another milestone for the growing program.
Men's Recap – Battling to the Finish in a Tight Team Race
The men's team capped off their season with a strong showing, placing 7th nationally and 2nd in the PSUAC, narrowly behind PSU DuBois in one of the most competitive races of the season.
Junior Ashton Owens led the way, finishing in 31:49.40, followed by senior Matthew O in his final career race at 33:52.30. Francisco Ortiz (34:55.30), Gabriel Karnes (35:17.00), and Shane Smith (41:28.50) rounded out the scoring five. Senior Jiayi Gong (women's) and senior Matthew O (men's) both competed in their final cross country meets, leaving lasting legacies as program leaders on and off the course.
The men's total of 141 points reflected a gritty effort as they chased down PSU DuBois throughout the 8K, highlighting the steady progress of the squad all season.
Season Reflection
The 2025 season was marked by growth, camaraderie, and competitive success for Penn State Schuylkill Cross Country. Between championship finishes and all-American honors, the teams also built lifelong memories through team bonding nights, screen-free team meals, and shared laughter on the road.
Head Coach and staff praised both squads for their dedication, academic excellence, and sportsmanship that represented Schuylkill Athletics with pride all season long.