Manhattan University Invitational presented by HOKA | Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, NY
For over half a century, the Manhattan University Cross Country Invitational has served as a pilgrimage for high school runners across the Northeast. The stone bridge, the back hills, and the roar of the crowds at Van Cortlandt Park make it one of the most storied courses in America. This year, the 53rd edition carried an added layer of meaning, as the meet's signature Eastern States Championship race was run in memory of Alex Kemp, a beloved Christian Brothers Academy (NJ) alumnus who passed away last winter.
A Team Driven by Legacy
In a performance equal parts tactical and emotional, Christian Brothers Academy of New Jersey captured its fourth consecutive Eastern States title, scoring 78 points with a team average of 12:41.5, the third-fastest ever recorded at Van Cortlandt Park. The Colts ran well, led by senior Luke Hnatt, who crossed in 12:19.6 for fourth place. Teammates Gavin Schmitt (12:28.3), Sean Galvin (12:44.8), Wyatt Falkowski (12:56.10) and Ryan Collins (12:58.90) followed.
After the race, CBA athletes gathered with Kemp's family to lift the Alex Kemp Memorial Eastern States Team Championship plaque, a gesture that said more than words ever could.
A Rising Star on the National Stage
While CBA controlled the team battle, the day's individual spotlight belonged to Kavi Gibson of Cary Academy (NC). The senior from Cary, North Carolina brought his undefeated season to New York City and proved that pressure means little to him and that the word defeat isn't in his vocabulary. In his first run at Van Cortlandt Park, Gibson displayed remarkable composure, conquering the course's twisting trails and steep climbs in 12:04.9, one of the fastest times ever recorded on the storied 2.5-mile layout. His victory in the Eastern States Championship 4K helped lift Cary Academy to a fourth-place team finish.