The Brookdale Community College men’s and women’s cross country teams capped off remarkable seasons with strong showings at the NJCAA Division III National Championship, held at Lakeside Golf Course in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Both squads represented the Jersey Blues on the national stage, marking a proud milestone for the program.

On the men’s side, Brookdale secured a 10th-place team finish in a competitive national field, demonstrating grit, depth, and consistency. Freshman standout Walter Heffner led the charge with a 31st-place finish in his first national championship appearance. Close behind, sophomore captain Andrew Lorig placed 33rd, closing out his Brookdale career with a determined effort. Sophomore captain Harmon Hass crossed in 55th, followed by sophomore captain Gavin Tay (58th), freshman Charles Doolittle (59th), freshman Angel Hernandez (68th), and sophomore captain Diego Alva (74th), solidifying the team’s top-10 national placement.

The women’s team delivered an equally impressive performance, led by sophomore team captain Georgia Jones, who finished 22nd overall—Brookdale’s highest women’s national finish in more than a decade. Jones’s standout run highlighted a season defined by progress, perseverance, and strong team cohesion as the squad went stride-for-stride with some of the nation’s top programs.

Together, the men’s and women’s teams showcased the strength and momentum of Brookdale’s cross country program, closing the season with pride, determination, and historic national-level success for the Jersey Blues.