Corning's Red Baron's XC team traveled to Finger Lakes Community College this past weekend for the Bruce Bridgeman Invitational, most of the MSAC schools were in attendance for the competition in Canandaigua. This also marked the first full length race (8,000 meters) of the Red Barons season after two short course races. 

It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon on Saturday morning and the 8k was a mostly wooded trail course with some challenging hills. Hayden Allington completed the 8k course in 28:41, bettering his time from last year (29:15.) Allington finished 4th overall. Dylan James completed the 8k in 36:18 and finished 39th, completing his first ever collegiate cross country race.

Allington, who turned 20 on Sunday, said "it was a great birthday present to myself." Both runners were very pleased with their results. Coach Casey Swartz was also very happy with the outcome. He stated "it was a great way to start the 8k part of our season. Hayden ran a great time on a relatively difficult course and was only 25 seconds off his personal best. I was also very happy for Dylan for bouncing back after not finishing last week and completing his first ever race."

The Red Barons will travel to Roberts Wesleyan in Rochester next week (on 9/23) for the Harry F. Anderson Invitational where they will see many local SUNY teams and some MSAC conference opponents.