JAMESTOWN – the Jamestown Community College cross country team will be starting its second season of existence and will look to operate under a more traditional route with the runners all competing as one large group. Last season teams would run in a certain time slot due to protocols put in place because of COVID-19.

Returning to the team is Emma Redlecki (Clymer, NY/Clymer Central), who was named All-Region last season, finishing fifth in the 2020 Region 3 Cross Country Championships.

“Emma is coming back for her second season as a Jayhawk and I’m very excited to see her compete against other runners,” said head coach Sydney Beeman. “She worked hard during the offseason and came into the preseason stronger and more confident than before. I think we will see a lot of improvement this season from her.”

Joining Redlecki is Joey Pillittieri (Falconer, NY/Falconer HS) on the men’s side. Pillittieri, also a member of the JCC wrestling team, will look to hold his own as running is no stranger to him.

“I am looking forward to seeing Joey run this season,” said Beeman. “He is a hardworking, passionate runner that has a lot of potential to excel as an athlete.”

Of the five regular season meets, four of them will be host by four-year institution, meaning the runners will see some season athletes on the course. Coach Beeman believes that going against these runners will only push her team to do great.

“We will be competing against a lot of competitive teams from every division, including my alma mater, St. Bonaventure,” Beeman said. “Having some competition to run against will motivate the team to train harder and get some personal best.”

The Jayhawks will open the season up this Saturday, September 4th, in the Fredonia State Invitational.