Geneseo Women’s Cross Country Wins 14th Straight Empire 8 Title
Photo courtesy of Geneseo Knights
After dominating the field at the Empire 8 Championship in Rochester, the SUNY Geneseo women’s cross country team captured its 14th straight conference title, led by senior Ann Brennan’s first-place finish.
The SUNY Geneseo women’s cross country team has once again proved why they are one of the best in the conference. On Nov. 1, 2025, the Knights won their 14th straight Empire 8 Conference Championship in Rochester, New York. It was a strong and confident performance that showed the team’s talent and teamwork from start to finish.
Senior Ann Brennan led the way for Geneseo, taking first place overall with a time of 22 minutes and 22.7 seconds. Right behind her were teammates, sophomore Ari Reback and senior Sierra Doody, who finished second and third. The Knights did not stop there; senior Annika Hurley placed seventh, junior Jillian O’Rourke came in ninth, and freshman Katie Bauman took 10th place. Their strong pack running helped Geneseo easily win the team title with just 22 points. The next two teams finished far behind with 69 and 83 points, showing how dominant the Knights were.
Even runners outside the top 10 made a big impact. Freshman Greylynn Guyer finished 12th and freshman Annabelle Czekanski placed 15th, earning all-conference honors. This kind of depth is what makes Geneseo’s team so special; no matter who is racing, there are always multiple runners capable of stepping up when it matters most.
Winning 14 conference championships in a row is an amazing accomplishment. It takes more than just talent; it requires leadership, consistency, and a strong team culture. The seniors have set a great example for the younger athletes, showing what it means to work hard and race for each other. The underclassmen, including freshmen like Bauman, are already proving that they can carry the program forward in the years to come.
This win also says a lot about the coaching staff and the program’s stability. Year after year, Geneseo continues to recruit talented runners and develop them into championship-level athletes. The team trains together, supports each other, and focuses on improvement every season. That is how they have managed to stay on top of the conference for over a decade.
Brennan’s individual victory was another highlight of the day. Winning the race not only gave her a personal milestone, but also set the tone for the entire team. When one runner leads with confidence, it inspires others to follow close behind. Having Reback and Doody finish second and third created a 1-2-3 sweep that left no doubt about who the best team was.
Now, with the conference title in hand, the Knights are looking ahead to the next big test: the Niagara Regional Meet, hosted by the Rochester Institute of Technology on Nov. 15. The regional race will decide which teams advance to nationals, and Geneseo will be aiming to keep its momentum going. Based on their conference performance, they appear ready to compete with some of the best teams in the region.
In the end, this championship means more than just another trophy. It represents years of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. The Geneseo women’s cross country program has built a winning tradition that does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. With a mix of experienced seniors and rising young talent, the Knights continue to set the standard for excellence in their conference.
As they prepare for the postseason, one thing is clear: Geneseo’s success is no accident. It is the result of a well built team bond, smart coaching, and runners who give their all every time they step on the course. Their 14th straight Empire 8 title is another proud moment in the program’s history and a sign that the Knights’ legacy of success is still going strong.