STANDISH, Maine – Director of Cross Country and Track and Field Mike Burleson has announced the Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track and Field Class of 2027.
Burleson, who is entering his first year as Director of Cross Country and Track and Field, has brought in 23 athletes from four different states with his efforts this past year while working in a part-time capacity. With only four graduating seniors leaving last May the Monks are well-equipped with this incoming class.
"Our coaching staff is incredibly excited about this incoming class of student-athletes. This is the largest recruiting class in program history and is a dynamic group that brings talent, skill and leadership" adds Burleson. "With strong teams a year ago for both the men's and women's programs, their arrival will elevate the program to the next level. We look forward to getting to work and seeing their impact both on and off the track."
The men's program achieved back-to-back GNAC Championship titles in Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field in 2023.
MEN'S TRACK & FIELD CLASS OF 2027:
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Gabe Balch Why Saint Joseph's? Before I realized playing sports at St. Joes was an option for me, I was already drawn to the school's environment and atmosphere. I wanted to be at a school where the staff cares about the students, and Saint Joseph's was the perfect fit for what I was looking for. High School: Competed in spring track & field at Coe-Brown Northwood Academy...his team was 3x D2 Outdoor Track and Field Champions (2021-2023). Community Service: Did 60+ hours serving and helping with the American Cancer Society. Personal: Gabryel Redmond Balch, son of Tara Wojtysiak and Michael Balch...brother to Sage Boston. |
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Colin Brown Why Saint Joseph's? To be able to go to a smaller college as well as to continue running. High School: Participated in soccer, indoor track & field for four years and outdoor track for three years…Awarded the Coaches award in 2023. Community Service: Groundskeeping and environmental pick-up. Personal: Colin Robert Brown, son of Todd Brown and Elizabeth McQuiad Russell…brother to two siblings, Connor Brown, and Dylan Brown. |
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Matthew Corriveau Why Saint Joseph's? I felt an instant connection to the staff and students that I met on my tour. I love the campus and its proximity to Sebago Lake. High School: Participated in outdoor track & field for three years, indoor track & field for one year, basketball for three years, and cross country for three years…Won the State Championship in N.H. outdoor track & field during 2021, 2022, 2023 as well as the 2023 N.H. Indoor Track & Field State Championship…Awarded 2023 Indoor Division 2 All-State Team, 2023 Outdoor Division 2 All-State Team, 2022 & 2023 Outdoor Track & Field Coaches Award, 2022 Basketball Coaches Award 2021, 2022, 2023 NH Outdoor Track & Field State Championship, 2022, 2023 NH Meet of Champions Outdoor Track, 2022, 2023 New England's (outdoor Track & Field), 2023 NH Indoor State Championships, 2023 Indoor New England's, 2023 Indoor National…Indoor track & field School Record Holder in high jump and long jump…Outdoor track & field School Record Holder in 4x400, Indoor Nationals Qualifier in High Jump, DMR, and 4x400…Achieved honor roll. Community Service: Volunteered for the Nottingham Youth Association Basketball Assistant Coach and CBNA Basketball Camp Staff. Personal: Matthew Jeffrey Corriveau, son of Keena and Jeff Corriveau…brother to Luke Corriveau. |
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Diamond Doe Why Saint Joseph's? SJC was the best fit for me to be successful. High School: Participated in track & field, soccer, wrestling, and basketball…Was awarded The Tolman High School Key Player Spirit Award for track and field, the award is given to athletes in recognition of their dedication, perseverance, sportsmanship, role model, determination, spirit, extra effort, and teamwork…Also awarded the Outstanding Athlete Award and it is in recognition of my outstanding achievements in soccer, indoor track and outdoor track, at William E. Tolman Senior High School 2023…Participated in the New England Championship meet for indoor and outdoor track...Participated in the back-to-back soccer State Championships in 2019 and 2020…Attained the school record for the 600m and the 400m...Also participated in club soccer on Bruno United FC, played for two seasons, Pawtucket Storm, and Warwick. Community Service: Pawtucket City clean up, City of Pawtucket snow shoveling, Memorial Day cleanup with my JROTC, and many more service events. Personal: Younton Diamond Doe, son of Henry Doe and Facial Giddings, step-son to Janet…brother to six siblings, Henry Doe Jr, Jordan Doe, Harrison Doe, Cheralynn Doe, Esther Doe, Scholastical Doe. |
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Chris Godefroy Why Saint Joseph's? St. Joe's is giving me a chance no other college would and I intend to use this time to set my life up for a successful future. High School: Participated in football, track & field, and baseball for Windsor Locks High School…Awarded the Most Improved Athlete. Community Service: Completed 30 hours of community service. Personal: Christopher Godefroy, son of Marie and Pierre Godefory…brother to Jovany. |
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Gehrig Hatch Why Saint Joseph's? I was dedicated to finding the right place for me. High School: Participated in cross country, indoor and outdoor track…Received the Will Fulford "Will-to-Win" Award, Coaches Awards, Most Improved, Rookie of the Year…3x Outdoor Track & Field State Championship, Two Indoor State Championship, Cross Country State Championship…Listed on the honor roll and earned the World Language Effort Award. Community Service: Referee for Little League soccer and softball. Personal: Gehrig Wasson Hatch, son of Lynne and Seth Hatch…brother to, Henry Hatch. |
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Andrew James Why Saint Joseph's? To pursue nursing. High School: Participated in football, wrestling, indoor and outdoor track & field at Mount Desert Island High School…Achievements include 5th place in PVC's indoor, 5th place in Class B boys indoor, 4th place in outdoor PVC's, and 5th place in outdoor Class B boys states…Engaged in sports for a total of nine years in football, 14 years in baseball, three years in track & field, six years in basketball, and one year in wrestling…Attained 2nd and 3rd place in the Health Knowledge Bowl for Skills USA…Inducted into the National Technical Honors Society…Named Student of the Month. Personal: Andrew Michael James, son of Amy and Chris James…brother to Gabbie James. |
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Wes Merrill Why Saint Joseph's? For opportunities in the medical field and sports. High School: Competed in indoor track & field (2019-2023), outdoor track & field (2019-2023), cross country (2019) for Yarmouth High School...School Record holder awards for 4x100 (2022 and 2023) and 4x200 (2022)...Maine State Track and Field Championships (2022-2023), New England Championships Track and Field (2022-2023)...School Record holder awards for 4x100 (2022 and 2023) and 4x200 (2022)...was a member of Spike Ball Club and listed on the honor roll. Community Service: Face painting at the Yarmouth clam festival, CIT at Yarmouth REC camp. Personal: Wesley Oliver Merrill, son of Ellen and Ryan Merrill...brother to Gabriel Merrill.
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Tudum Monday Why Saint Joseph's? I chose Saint Joseph's College because of its home environment. Being around the school and being able to explore further into the school I have been welcomed every time I am there. I feel like I can get out of my comfort zone academically and physically through sports. High School: Participated in basketball and soccer for four years, outdoor track & field for three years, and indoor track & field for one year…Awarded All-Regional Track Athlete of the Year, All-American Team Outdoor Track, First Team Soccer, All-Star Team Soccer, All-Regional Team Soccer, All-State Team Soccer…3x KVAC Champion for 110m Hurdler and 300m Hurdlers…Broke the 55m hurdle record indoor track and Broke the KVAC 300m Record...Top Scorer every year in outdoor track. Personal: Tudum Elisha Monday, son of Jerusalem and Catherine Monday. |
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Michael Morin Why Saint Joseph's? Interesting environment science program and continue my athletic career. High School: Participated in four years of indoor track & field, four years of baseball, and three years of cross country at Merrimack High School…Awarded Unsung Hero Award junior year in baseball and "Certified Swifty" Award senior year of cross country…Attended the Division 1 State Cross Country Meet senior year…Achieved honor roll. Community Service: Senior Service Day (raking leaves of elderly homes). Personal: Michael Anthony Luciano Morin, son of Noelle and Michael Morin…brother to two siblings, Daniel and Sean Morin. |
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Jonah Naratil Why Saint Joseph's? To be able to focus on the sports I love and devote so much time to, while also furthering my education in the exercise science field. High School: Competed in soccer, basketball, and track all four years for Sacopee Valley High School…received the Steven LaBreque Memorial Award for soccer in 2023, was an All-Academic recipient in 2023 for soccer, a Regional All-Star in soccer for both 2022 and 2023, was the Team MVP in 2022, Offensive Team MVP in 2023…in basketball received the Heart of the Hawk Award in 2021, Pursuit of Excellence Award in 2022, was an All-Academic recipient in 2023…for track was the Team MVP in 2022, was a State Champion in the 300M Hurdles in 2022, was the Team High Scorer in 2022…had 12 season awards in all sports every season for four years…in track the team was Western Maine Track Champions…was a two year soccer captain, one year basketball captain, and two year track captain…played club soccer for Velocity FC for five years and received the Coaches Award, Team Player Award, was named a Captain, and was an Assistant Coach when injured…was a member of the National Honor Society and was on the High Honor Roll. Community Service: Volunteered at basketball youth camps, soccer youth camps, was a soccer referee for rec leagues, did yard work for elderly as well as Smooth Feather Youth spreading awareness. Personal: Jonah Gwynedd Naratil, son of Elaine and Bill Naratil…brother to Alice Naratil. |
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Jacob Pelletier Why Saint Joseph's? I chose Saint Joseph's because of its small, tight-knit community feel rooted in Catholic tradition. I wanted the opportunity to pursue my career goals through its strong academic program while having the opportunity to compete as part of its strong running program. It's also close to home. High School/College: Participated in four years of cross country, three years of ice hockey, one year of indoor track, and four years of outdoor track…Cross Country (2020 Coaches Award, 2021 Runner of the Year Award, 2021 KVAC First Team All-Conference); Indoor Track (2021-22 MVP Award, 2021-22 KVAC First Team All-Conference); Outdoor Track (2022 Teammate of the Year Award, 2022 KVAC First Team All-Conference)...2021 KVAC Cross Country Championship Team, 2021-22 KVAC Indoor Track Champion in the Mile & 2 Mile, 2022 KVAC Outdoor Track Championship Team, 2022 KVAC Outdoor Track 4 x 800m Relay Team Champions…Achieved 2022-23 Little East Conference Indoor Track All-Rookie Team (while attending University of Southern Maine)…Was an Honor Roll Student, National Honor Society member, and KVAC All-Academic Team. Community Service: Key Club, Vacation Bible School, Youth Summer Track Volunteer Coach. Personal: Jacob Patrick Pelletier, son of James and Hollie Pelletier…brother to two siblings, Tyler and Addison Pelletier. |
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Carl Peters Why Saint Joseph's? I loved the location and atmosphere of the school. It holds much of my greater interests in a campus such as a warm environment, beautiful location and many opportunities for jobs nearby. High School: Participated in soccer during the 2021 and 2022 seasons advancing to the Semi-Finals in 2021 and Quarter finals 2022…Participated in track & field for three years...Holds the school record in the 4x100 and top ten all time for the 55m dash, 100m dash, 200m dash and triple jump and multiple relays…State Champion titles earned all three years...Managed to reach New England Championships for the 4x400 in 2022…Awarded the Outstanding Contribution Award in soccer (2021), Outstanding Contribution Award in indoor track (2023)...NHIAA DII State Champions in track and field 2021, 2022, 2023 (indoor)…Earned honor roll all four years of high school and awarded New Hampshire Scholar Award. Community Service: Participated in 40 hours of service, 25 hours spent at Riverside rest home, 10 hours spent at St Joseph's Church in Northwood, five hours spread across other nonprofit organizations. Personal: Carl Andrew Peters, son to Charity and Brian Peters…brother to, Breanne Peters. |
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Devonte Prom Why Saint Joseph's? I decided on SJC because I've heard from various coaches and peers that they have great sports and business program. High School: Competed in soccer for four years and track for two years at Deering High School…in track in 2023 went to States/Southwesterns Outdoor Track Meet for long and triple jump…played club for Maine Lightning Soccer for two years. Personal: Devonte Jettra Prom, son of Leakhena Yim…brother to Eddie Thy and Vanessa Mao. |
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Haytham Ramadan Why Saint Joseph's? I've heard many good things about Saint Joseph's College, not only the sports very good and competitive but also the school how it's easy for individuals but with a push for them to learn and I really enjoy that. High School: Participated in soccer and track & field (outdoor and indoor)…Was the Top 5 goal scorer for Deering in the 2023 season, won both indoor and outdoor Track and Field MVP…Was awarded certificate from New England's….Participated in 2023 New England's Indoor Track & Field Championship…Also participated on club soccer team, Seacoast United for four years. Community Service: Worked with 4H and did a lot of community help. With this, took a trip to DC four times over the past two years and we created a multiple events where we get the community together using sports such as soccer and other games to help the community get the same vibe before coronavirus since it damaged a lot of the communities. I was involved in helping the Boys & Girls club without pay and I would help the children with either their homework or games outside such as soccer, basketball or even kick ball. Personal: Haytham Adam Ramadan, son of Adam Iessa and Fatima Ismail…brother to eight siblings, Hannah, Hany, Hisham, Iessa, Hadil, Mohamed, Mansour, and Mohaned. |
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Jacob Schmader Why Saint Joseph's? Community Atmosphere, beautiful campus, and...MAINE. High School: Participated in four years of soccer, one year of basketball, two years of indoor track & Field, and three years of outdoor track & field at Bonny Eagle High School…Awarded the SMMA Southwestern's 2023 Steve Ross Award, 2023 SMAA Citizenship Award…Member of the 2021 States Championship team for Outdoor Track & Field, 2022 States & New England's for Indoor & Outdoor Track & Field, 2023 States, New England's & Nationals for Indoor & Outdoor Track and Field…In 2023 Broke (nine) school records combined for indoor/outdoor track & field...Also participated on the Bonny Eagle Soccer Club for three years and Riptide Soccer Club for one year…Achieved honor roll. Personal: Jacob Schmader, son to Carrie and Mike Schmader…brother to Alexis Schmader. |
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Emilson Zocolo Why Saint Joseph's? Because I like the coaches. High School: Participated in soccer and track & field at Lewiston High School…Awarded medals in track and field, gained varsity awards, and made KVAC All-Conference. Personal: Emilson William Marcelo Zocolo, son of Edna Marcelo. |
