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Mighty Oaks Cross Country Teams Clinch Fifth Straight National Title
LEMONT FURNACE, PA – Nov. 9, 2025 — The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) Mighty Oaks cross country teams extended their dynasty, claiming their fifth consecutive USCAA national championships. The women’s squad made history with a perfect score — a first for the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.
Senior Maura O’Brien led the charge for the women’s team, winning the individual crown with a 6K-time of 24:29 on Penn State-Fayette’s rugged course. Teammates Margaret Ryan and Sophia DePierro locked down second and third, earning First Team All-American honors alongside Tee Atwater and Katie Richardson. Second Team honors went to Gabrielle McKenzie, Erica Angelillo, and Camila Garcia.
The Mighty Oaks men fought back from an aggressive start, surging late to secure the title. Aidan Watts (third) and Eric Wilson (fourth) earned First Team All-American spots, while Robby Slater, Connor Stach, and Sean White grabbed Second Team honors.
ESF remains the only school in USCAA history to win five straight championships in the same sport for both men and women.
“The women joked about a perfect score—and delivered,” said Coach Mike Melfi. “The men executed the best race plan I’ve ever seen. Precise, relentless, and earned every step.”
Full results are available here.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.