ROCHESTER, NY - Bennett Melita (Johnstown, NY/Fonda Fultonville) captured his second Empire 8 First Team Men's All-Conference honors, as announced on Tuesday. 

Melita earned his second all-conference honors and his second first-team honors after a memorable season on the trails. Clocking in at 25:34.0, Melita has etched himself into the Pioneer history books with the highest finish for Utica ever at a national meet. Melita was the first men's cross-country runner for the Pioneers to ever qualify for the national race after a ninth-place overall finish at the Niagara Regional back on November 16. Melita was the 41st top finisher out of those who competed individually and were not a part of a full-scoring team.