Sparkill, N.Y. - The St. Thomas Aquinas Cross Country team welcomed back members of its alumni on Saturday, hosting a Spartan Spirit Homecoming race at Tallman Mountain State Park.

The 5K event is designed to unite the many former Spartans (coaches and athletes) who helped shape the program over the years with current members of the squad in friendly competition.

"Its great to have our alumni back on campus, getting to know our current team," said Head Coach Ray Kondracki. "It is important for our younger Spartans to hear about the stories and hard work that went into making this program as successful as it has been. Remembering the history of our program and all of the people who are responsible for it is also important to our growth and future. "There isn't a better way to connect the past and present by holding a little healthy competition too!," remarked Kondracki.

Kyle Kondracki (STAC '21) was the winner of the men's race in a time of 16:47, while Laura Kiernan (Koch) (STAC '07) was victorious in the women's race with a time of 22:49.

The current members of the St. Thomas Aquinas College Cross Country team now turn their attention to preparations for the upcoming East Coast Conference Championships, which take place on Saturday, October 25 (10:00 a.m.) at Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park, New York.