STANDISH, Maine – The Saint Joseph's College of Maine men's and women's cross country teams have announced their 2025 competition schedule, featuring a mix of local invitationals, championship-caliber fields, and the debut of a newly renamed home meet honoring one of the most respected coaches in program history.
This fall marks a new chapter for the Runnin' Monks as Mike Burleson takes over as Head Coach, with longtime leader Tom Dann and former standout Troy Hendricks ('22, '24) serving as Associate Head Coaches. Coach Dann, who guided the Monks for 26 years and helped shape the college's running culture, will be honored with the renaming of the team's home meet to the Coach Dann Runnin' Monks Classic, scheduled for October 18.
2025 SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS
September 6 – Ron Ouellette Invitational (Biddeford, Maine)
Hosted by the University of New England, this Rotary Park 5K is a familiar course for the Monks. Last fall, the men's team took third place, with Pelletier running 15:55.6 for third overall.
September 20 – Maine State Championships (Brunswick, Maine)
A weekend usually spent at the UMass Dartmouth XC Invitational the Monks look to travel to Bowdoin instead. A mid-season test against top teams across all divisions in the state of Maine. This meet offers valuable experience and serves as a benchmark for both team and individual development.
October 10 – Bruce Kirsh Cross Country Cup (Contoocook, N.H.)
Held at the Hopkinton Fairgrounds, this meet returns to the schedule as it gives the Monks a glimpse of what's to come at the NCAA Division-III East Region Championships also hosted at the Hopkinton Fairgrounds.
October 18 – Coach Dann Runnin' Monks Classic (Standish, Maine)
Renamed in honor of Coach Tom Dann's legendary impact on the program, this year's home meet will celebrate his legacy. In 2024,
Haley Williams (Winthrop, Maine) won the women's race with a time of 26:10.51.
November 1 – GNAC Championships (Norwich, Vt.)
Saint Joseph's heads to Norwich University with championship hopes in tow. The men's squad enters as the 2023 GNAC champions and 2024 runners-up, led by a veteran core including Pelletier,
Alexey Seredin (Peaks Island, Maine), and a solid group of underclassmen.
The women's team, fueled by a young roster, looks to improve on their 2024 finish. Williams returns after a breakout first year that included a sixth-place individual finish at GNACs.
LOOKING AHEAD
With a deep returning roster, a balance of youth and experience, and a coaching staff rooted in both legacy and forward momentum, the 2025 cross country season promises to deliver competitive performances and meaningful milestones.
"There's a real sense of excitement heading into this season," said Associate Head Coach Troy Hendricks. "We're eager to see how our young talent steps up and how our veteran leaders help shape the path forward. It's also a meaningful year for our program as we honor Coach Dann and the decades of dedication he's given to Saint Joseph's cross country. Hosting a meet in his name is a fitting tribute to the legacy he's built."
