FARMINGDALE, N.Y. -- The youth of the Kutztown University men's cross country squad was on full display Friday afternoon, as the Golden Bears captured first place at the Panther XC Invite hosted by Adelphi on Long Island. KU finished first with a total of 34 points. 

In their collegiate debuts, Andrew Diehl (Carlisle, Pa./Carlisle) and Mason English (Palmyra, Pa./Lower Dauphin) turned in top-ten finishes. Diehl finished second with a time of 25:50.80, while English finished sixth with a time of 26:15.40. Sophomore Robbie Lloyd (Newtown, Pa./Council Rock North) and freshman Connor Murphy (Nazareth, Pa./Nazareth) were two other debutantes to compete on the day, finishing 11th and 25th respectively.

The captain duo of Jack Hollar (East Stroudsburg, Pa./Pocono Mountain East) and Port Habalar (Williamsport, Pa./South Williamsport) scored some big points for KU with 9th and 14th-place finishes, which was crucial in keeping PSAC foes and second-place East Stroudsburg outside of striking distance. Kayden Platania (Buena, N.J./Buena Regional) and Jacob Huber (Bethlehem, Pa./Saucon Valley) rounded out the Golden Bears to compete at Bethpage Park, with the duo finishing 17th and 32nd. 

The Golden Bears ended on top with 34 points, while ESU finished second with 62. Eastern Connecticut State, Molly, and hosts Adelphi rounded out the top five.

KU will look to keep the momentum rolling on home turf at the KU DII/DIII Challenge. That race will take place on Friday, Sept. 15 at the North Campus Farm Course. The men's race is slated to start at 5 p.m. 

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Panther XC Invite
Friday, Sept. 1 | Farmingdale, N.Y.
8,000m | 134 runners

KUTZTOWN RESULTS
Team: 1st/14 (34 pts.)

2. Andrew Diehl (Carlisle, Pa./Carlisle), 25:50.80
6. Mason English (Palmyra, Pa./Lower Dauphin), 26:15.40
9. Jack Hollar (East Stroudsburg, Pa./Pocono Mountain East), 26:41.50
11. Robbie Lloyd (Newtown, Pa./Council Rock North), 26:41.50
14. Port Habalar (Williamsport, Pa./South Williamsport), 26:47.20
17. Kayden Platania (Buena, N.J./Buena Regional), 26:58.00
25. Connor Murphy (Nazareth, Pa./Nazareth), 27:17.20
32. Jacob Huber (Bethlehem, Pa./Saucon Valley), 27:51:00