Emmitsburg – UMBC senior Jafar Hussen (New Carrolton, Md./Parkdale) opened the 2023 cross country season brightly, as he finished second to lead the Retrievers in the Mount St. Mary's 5K Duals in warm conditions on the course in Emmitsburg.
 
"Today was a good start to our season," said Head Coach Mike DuPaul. "Jafar Hussen broke the long-standing UMBC school record on this course. We are excited to continue working hard and to build off of this meet." 
 
Hussen was just outkicked by GW's Ryan Fowles (15:07.86), as he posted a mark of 15:08.48. That shaved nearly 40 seconds off of his time from a year ago.

His time eclipsed the mark of 15:17.20, set by Brandan McGee in 2012.  

 Senior Daron Taylor (Joppa, Md.) also posted a top ten finish for UMBC, placing tenth with a mark of 15:45.33. His brother Zachary Taylor (Joppa, Md.) and sophomore Liam Meginniss (Smyrna, Del.) also placed in the top 14, recording times of 16:01.20 (13th) and 16:02.85 (14th) respectively. Sophomore Alex Xavier (Fallston, Md./Fallston) placed 16th of the 52 competitors in a time of 16;12.98.
 
Regional powerhouse GW had five of the top seven finishers and won the meet with 22 points. UMBC (51) defeated three other squads as only two other runners bested the Retrievers' top seven finishers.  
 
The Retrievers return to action on Saturday, Sept. 9 when they compete in the Navy Invitational.