For the first time in 23 years, the University of New Haven will be at the Division II National Cross Country Championship.

Earlier this month, Mohammed Abunar, a junior, competed in the NCAA East Regional held in Rochester, N.Y., and finished with a time of 31:53.6 on the 10k course. He was one of 140 runners on the 6.2 mile run and finished in eighth place, which secured his championship position. In the 2024 nationals, 34 teams were selected to participate and a minimum of 24 individuals, including Abunar, were selected based on qualification.

Along with his qualifications, Abunar has led the men’s cross country 2024 season. During the regular season, Abunar was the first member of the team to cross the finish line at the Hartford Invitational, Wesleyan Cardinal Invitational, Brown Bear Invitational, and Brush Kirsch Cross Country Cup, respectively. In the NE10 Championships, Abunar finished the 8K course ninth overall with a time of 25:41.5 and led the team to finish seventh out of 11 teams competing in the championship.

Abunar is also one of two Chargers to be recognized by the conference this season. For the third time in his collegiate career, Abunar was named to the NE10 All-Conference Second Team. All- Conference teams recognize the top 21 finishers at the championship. The second team honors those who finished between eighth and 14th place.

Abunar will compete in the 2024 Division II National Championship at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23. The event will take place at Arcade Creek Cross Country Course in Sacramento, California. For more information, visit NewHavenChargers.com.