WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - Hartford Men's Cross Country looks to build on a successful 2024 campaign in 2025. 

Same Look, New Goals:
The Hawks bring back 16 returners for the 2025 season, only losing three members from last year's roster. Among these returners, is a new precedent in being able to compete for NCAA championship play for the first time in program Division III history.

Amongst returners is graduate student Riley Brutvan (Gardiner, N.Y.) who last season, was awarded ECAC DIII North Individual Champion, CNE All-Conference 3rd Team (13th Place Finish at Championships), College Sports Communicators Academic All-District, CNE Academic All-Conference. 

"We definitely want to build on last year, and I think we absolutely can. We didn't lose a lot of people to graduation, so we're maintaining our volume. We're growing as a team both in age and ability." said Brutvan. 

Additionally sophomore Owen Klein (Coventry, R.I.) returns for his second season, with Hartford. In 2024 Klein was named a three-time CNE Rookie of the Week (9/9/2024, 9/23/2024, 10/7/2024), 2nd Overall Finish in the ECAC DIII North Championship.

"I think a lot of people came in pretty strong for the preseason. We have a couple races and speed trials coming up. I think we have a lot of good training coming up. So we'll be able to build pretty well."

Another key returner is sophomore Ethan Fiorenza (Dover, N.H.) who finished last year with a 5k best time of 17:18.8 in his freshman season. 

"Our team's expectation is to do well at the conference meet. Now that we are more acclimated to the conference we have a chance to compete at a high level." Fiorenza.

New Additions:
The Hawks welcome three freshmen to the roster in 2025, John Forbes (Morrisville, Pa.), Mikael Isaacs (Danbury, Conn.), and Gavin Mize (Downington, Pa.) 

Season Outlook:
Hartford will kick off their season with a home meet as they host the second annual University of Hartford Invitational at Keney Park, on Saturday Sep. 6. Hartford will once again compete in the ECAC Championship this year, coming off a 2024 season, where they were able to take home first place. Additionally, as mentioned earlier The Hawks will look to compete in the NCAA Championship Mideast Regional on Saturday, November 15th.

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