The Daytona State Falcons pulled off a third place finish at the NJCAA National Division II Cross Country Championships on Saturday in Huntsville, Alabama.  This is the third time since 2020 that the Falcons have finished in the top five in the country (2020 - 4th, 2021 - 2nd).  Lead by Jared Falchook, finishing fourth overall in 25:09, the Falcons took an early lead, coming through the 5k mark in first place.  They held on in a tough field finishing just 29 points behind eventual winner Lansing Community College.  Falchook and freshman Joel Jean (12th place in 25:30) would leave Huntsville with All American honors by virtue of their top 15 finish.  Freshman Evan Casterline, running in only his second season of cross country ever, grabbed a top 20 finish running the 8000 meter distance in 25:49 for 20th place.  Running fourth for the Falcons was sophomore Ivan Marin-Padilla who has had a much improved sophomore season, running 90 seconds faster than his freshman year.  Marin-Padilla pulled out a solid performance for the Falcons running 26:29, a new personal best.  "Ivan really came through for us today.  He just kept moving up in the field and looked really strong.  It helped the other guys out there and I think this was the difference for us in making the podium."  commented Coach Judy Wilson.  Rounding out the squad for the Falcons was freshman Isaac Morrison, giving a gutsy performance after missing three weeks of practice due to injury, and sophomores Jayven Garcia (58th, 27:02) and Brendan Hamilton (59th, 27:02).  "I'm really happy for this group.  To get on the podium and bring home some hardward is always a good thing."  commented Wilson.  

Next up for the Falcons is the NJCAA National Half Marathon Championships on Tuesday, November 14th in Huntsville.  The Falcons will run sophomores Jayven Garcia, Brendan Hamilton, Jacob Bormet, Ivan Marin-Padilla, and freshmen Evan Casterline and Zeniel Lizardo.  

Results can be found at: https://live.xpresstiming.com/meets/28845