Cliff Robbins Invitational Opens 2025 Cross-Country Season at Misericordia

By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | August 30, 2025 | Photo courtesy Madison Hedglin

The 2025 cross-country season began in classic fashion with the 50th Annual Cliff Robbins Sr. Memorial Invitational, held Saturday at Misericordia University’s Letterkenny Fields course in Dallas. Hosted by the Wyoming Valley Striders, the meet has become a Labor Day weekend tradition and one of the most respected early-season races in Pennsylvania.

Unlike many invitationals, the Cliff Robbins does not feature team scoring — instead, it emphasizes individual performance, giving runners and coaches an honest fitness check at the start of the fall campaign. Varsity athletes raced 5,000 meters, while junior high runners tackled a 3K course.

Varsity Girls Results

• 1st – Lauren Kosek (Wellsboro) – 18:58

  Kosek surged ahead in the late stages to break 19 minutes, setting the tone for what could be a breakout season.

• 2nd – Katie Kozich (Crestwood) – 19:19

  Kozich stayed close through two miles and finished strong, proving she’ll be a contender all fall.

• 3rd – Isabella Dessoye (Pittston Area) – 20:04

  Dessoye rounded out the podium with a gritty performance, crossing just over the 20-minute mark.

Varsity Boys Results

• 1st – Michael Fritz (Northwest Area) – 16:07

  Fritz dominated from the gun, posting one of the fastest winning times in recent meet history.

• 2nd – Mason Staude (Crestwood) – 16:33

  Staude kept pace early and secured a clear runner-up finish, leading the way for Crestwood.

• 3rd – Jacob Borrelli (Mid Valley) – 16:38

  Borrelli closed hard in the final stretch to claim third, delivering an early highlight for the Spartans.

A Meet with Tradition

Named in honor of Cliff Robbins Sr., a local runner and coach who left a lasting mark on the sport, the invitational has grown into a Northeast Pennsylvania cross-country landmark. With fields of varsity, junior varsity, and junior high athletes, the event annually brings together hundreds of runners and fans to Misericordia’s rolling course.

As the golden anniversary edition of the meet, 2025 once again blended history with new storylines — introducing the season’s rising stars while honoring a tradition that continues to shape District 2 running.

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