The Northampton cross country teams celebrated their senior night on Tuesday, Sept. 25, at Bicentennial Park. The team honored four seniors: Lauren Pague, Valencia Mercadante, Magen Perelli, and Evan Gillette.

“It was a successful day as well with both boys and girls teams going 3-0 on the day,” said head coach Dan Benner.

Both teams defeated Pleasant Valley, Pocono Mountain East and Pocono Mountain West, which brings the boys team’s mark up to 7-2 and the girls to 6-3 on the season.

“It was a very wet day, with rain coming down all day including during the races,” said Benner. “It kind of goes with the theme we have had all season long - not ideal conditions. It seems like we have either had rain or 90 degree all season long. Hopefully the last month of the season will bring the nice fall weather.”

Despite the rain, and the course being wet and soggy, there were some great performances on the day, Benner said.

Georgia Wiswesser got her first career win and had a personal best time along the way in 19:51. Amber Poniktera continued her strong season finishing third in 20:22. Magen Perelli ran a 20:59 to take sixth overall. Freshman Brianna Tyler had a solid race finishing 26th in 22:49. Lauren Pague was the fifth girl, running a 23:11 to finish 33. Olivia Rigo and Marissa Mele rounded out the top-seven on the day.

Senior Evan Gillette was the NHS top boy on the day finishing seventh overall in 17:41. Vince Gallagher ran well again this week, according to Benner, notching a 17:45 and finishing ninth. Freshman Ezekiel Colyer continued a very solid year placing 19th in 18:22. Isaiah Tyler and Owen Nahf came in 21st and 23rd in 18:24 and 18:25. Wyatt Poniktera continued his hold on the sixth spot on the team coming in 36th at 19:14.

Another freshman, John Breslin, had another top-seven finish for the team coming in at 19:18 and placing 38th.

Both teams have a big meet on Saturday, Sept. 29, at Lehigh University for the Paul Short Invitational. EPC competition continues next Tuesday, Oct. 2, at East Stroudsburg South against East Sroudsburg North and South and Stroudsburg.