The Ocean men's cross country team earned a 2nd place finish at the Region XIX Cross Country Championship on Sunday at Branch Brook Park.  The Vikings scored 47 points, falling to national #5 Bergen by 2 points for the team title.  #4 ranked Rowan at Gloucester was 3rd with 58 points. 

Sophomore Christian Bermudez won the individual title for the Vikings, crossing the line in 28:16, to earn his first ever collegiate title.  Freshman Noah Reilly followed closely in 4th to earn All-Region XIX honors. The trio of Xavier Ramirez, Zachary Piscopo, and Sam Lamberti all turned in their best performances of the year to narrow the gap on Bergen.  

"Our men really stepped up today," said Coach Ed Baynes. "Xavier, Zachary, and Sam ran out of their minds the 2nd half of the race.  The almost stole the team title, and they should be really proud of their efforts.  Christian and Noah did a great job executing the pre-race plan, and both deserve their All-Region accolades for all the hard work they've put in."

The Vikings will close out the season at the NJCAA meet on November 12th at Finger Lakes Community College.