Kings Park, NY – Sophomore Nkanyezi Ziqubu of the Monroe University men's cross country team broke the St. Joseph's Invitational 8k record on Saturday at Sunken Meadows State Park as the team claimed fifth overall at the meet.
 
Ziqubu continues his stellar start to the season as his time of 26:10.34 breaks the all-time record at the meet. He surpassed former Mustang Karim Belmahdi (26:14.13) for the top spot and joins former teammate Siyabonga Mbatha (26:55.10) on the top-five all-time list.
 
The Mustangs had two other runners finish in the top-five of the event, with freshmen Boitshepo Mashilo (28:08.79) and Yassine Rahoui (28:32.66) continuing their strong freshman campaigns with second and fourth place finishes, respectively.
 
Rounding out the Mustang competitors were freshmen Jazir Harris (35:40.33) and Jahiem Lawrence (36:46.33).
 
"Today's performance was one of growth, toughness and good execution all the way around," head coach Shirvon Greene said. "Each guy had a plan and they went out and executed. I am very pleased with each of their performances today."
 
The Mustangs will compete in their final regular season meet of the season next Friday. They will head to Lebanon, PA, to take part in the LVC Last Chance Run Fast meet, beginning at 11:00 am.
 
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE UNIVERSITY
The athletic program at Monroe University encompasses a total of 26 teams competing across nine sports. There are 19 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as the Monroe University marching band, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has seven teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level.
 
For more information about the Monroe Mustangs, please visit us at www.MonroeUMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Monroe Mustangs Athletics), Twitter (@MonroeMustangs) and Instagram (@monroemustangs).