GENEVA, N.Y.—The William Smith cross country team, led by senior Hope Johnson, won its fourth consecutive Cross Country Only Conference Championship at Seneca Lake State Park this morning. The Herons had five runners in the top 10 to capture the title by eight points over second place Clarkson.

The CCOC Championship is for schools that have cross country, but not track and field. The CCOC Championship was first contested in 2015. This was the eighth time in 20 races that William Smith won the team title. In addition to the Herons and Golden Knights, Keuka (3rd place) and SUNY Canton (4th place) also ran in this year's championship. Paul Smith's was represented in the field, but did not have enough for a team score. SUNY Morrisville also ran in the race, but was not eligible for the team or individual titles as the Mustangs have track and field.

Johnson covered the 6-kilometer course in a time of 24:16.6, more than 26 seconds faster than her winning time in 2024. Sophomore Megan Ingraham was the next Heron across the line, stopping the clock at 25:43.7, nearly three minutes faster than she ran in last year's CCOC. Junior Salma Menkari was right behind her, posting a time of 26:02.4.

LEADING THE FLOCK (finish based on CCOC eligible runners)

• Hope Johnson, 24:16.6, 1st
• Megan Ingraham, 25:43.7, 3rd
• Salma Menkari, 26:02.4, 4th.
• Zoe Kusyk, 26:36.6, 8th
• Joan Reichert, 27:02.6, 9th

Morrisville's Elizabeth Lucason was the first runner of the day to cross the finish line. She posted a blistering time of 22:15.1, the fifth fastest time ever on the 6K course at Seneca Lakes State Park.

William Smith will have a week off before returning to racing on Nov. 1 in the Liberty League Championships in Canton.