Youth Champions Crowned at USATF Niagara Junior Olympic Championships

Results 

Nearly 200 young athletes took to the trails at Center Park in Fairport for the 2025 USATF Niagara Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships — the opening step on the road to the USATF National Junior Olympic Championships, set for December 13 in Shelbyville, Indiana. Competitors battled a water-soaked, muddy course under cool, misty skies — conditions many called perfect for cross country.

The top finishers from Sunday’s meet now advance to the USATF Region 2 Championships, set for November 22 in White Oak, Pennsylvania.

Niagara Individual Champions

The day featured strong performances across all divisions, with several clubs earning multiple victories.

8U Boys - Declan Byler (Unattached)
8Ur Girls  — Sophia Palmer (Ridge Runners TXC)
9–10 Boys — Caleb Salyerds (Southern Tier SOAR)
9–10 Girls  — Leighton Hayes (Snyder Track Club)
11–12 Boys  — Maximilian Lines (Snyder Track Club) 
11–12 Girls  — Elise Brady (Snyder Track Club) 
13–14 Boys  — Russell Morseman IV (Unattached) 
13–14 Girls  — Jordyn Werder (Unattached) 
15–16 Boys  — Michael Ciripompa (Unattached) 
15–16 Girls — Delaney Batai (Unattached)
17–18 Boys  — Orrin Tauriello (Unattached)
17–18 Girls  — Madigan White (Unattached)

Niagara Team Champions

Snyder Track Club claimed team titles in the 8U Boys, 8U Girls, 9-10 Boys, and 9-10 Girls divisions. They also finished second in the 11-12 Boys and Girls team standings.

Ridge Runners TXC claimed victory in the 11-12 Boys and 11-12 Girls team standings.

Looking Ahead

With the Niagara Championships now complete, athletes and clubs turn their focus to the USATF Region 2 Championships in White Oak, Pennsylvania, on November 22, where they will compete against athletes from the New Jersey, Three Rivers, and Mid-Atlantic associations for a chance to qualify for national championships in December.