GALLOWAY, N.J. – Powered by Brandon Chen's first-place finish, TCNJ ended Rowan's three-year reign at the top of the NJAC by claiming their first conference title since 2021.
 
It was a dominant performance for the Lions, whose runners claimed seven out of the top ten spots. To earn his individual championship—TCNJ's first since 2019—Chen sped through the 8K course in 24:56.6. That time was eight seconds faster than the runner-up from Rowan. With this effort, Chen secures his first NJAC Runner of the Year award in addition to his third career 1^st Team All-NJAC selection.
 
Kevin Matthews was the other TCNJ runner to finish in the top three; he finished in third place in 25:07.2. Matt Granizo joined Chen and Matthews in the top five, finishing fifth in 25:22.6. Phil Pace (6^th, 25:26.5) and Moksh Patwari (7^th, 25:37.3) rounded out the Lions' top five runners, who all secured 1^st Team All-NJAC honors for their performances.
 
Matthews will gain his third career All-NJAC selection, and this year will be his first time earning 1^st Team honor. Granizo will earn his second 1^st Team All-NJAC award, while Pace and Patwari will earn their first all-conference honors of their careers.
 
In addition to the Lions' top five, Evan Melito (8^th, 25:43.0), Josh Santiago (10^th, 25:49.7), and Anthony Guarino (14^th, 26:20.1) all secured places on the all-NJAC team by placing inside of the top-14. When the conference awards are officially announced, that trio will earn their first NJAC honors as well.
 
The Lions now look toward the NCAA Metro Region Championship, which will take place on November 15.