ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Roberts Wesleyan University cross country program is proud to announce its incoming class of eight first-year student-athletes for the upcoming fall season.
"We are excited to welcome this group to Roberts Wesleyan University," said Andrew Dorr, Roberts' Director of Cross Country and Track and Field. "We look forward to seeing them grow as student-athletes and people as we continue to build upon the tradition of Redhawks cross country."
Roberts, which has won eight consecutive East Coast Conference championships on both the men's and women's sides, opens its season on Sept. 9 at Hamilton College.
Here is a closer look at the incoming student-athletes:

Micah Barber

Hometown: Frewsburg, NY
High School: Frewsburg
Parents: John and Heather Barber
Major: Physical Education
Before Roberts: National Honor Society member … First-team Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association All-League selection … CCAA Sportsmanship winner … Two-time state qualifier … Finished eighth at 2022 Section VI Class D championships … Finished 41^st in Class D race at 2022 state championships. 
I chose Roberts because: "The small classes and the environment."

Caleb Belanger

Hometown: Elmira, NY
High School: Elmira
Parents: Gregory and Shannon Belanger
Major: Exercise Science
Before Roberts: NYSPHSAA scholar athlete … STSR STAC second-team … STSR All-Region second-team … Fifthplace at Owego Invitational … Seventh place at Bob Grenne Invite.
I chose Roberts because: "Coach Dorr saw a lot of potential in me and I feel like I meshed with the team well." 

Vincent (Vinnie) Ciraolo

Hometown: Niagara Falls, NY
High School: Niagara-Wheatfield
Parents: Carrie and James Ciraolo
Major: Business Administration
Before Roberts: Selected MVP of cross country team his junior and senior seasons … Served as captain of cross country, swimming and track and field teams as both a junior and senior … Qualifier for states in swimming … Scholar-Athlete and member of National Honor Society … Participated in Area All-State Band and Jazz Band … Eagle Scout.
I chose Roberts because: "I love the location and the beautiful campus. The staff at Roberts were very welcoming and really helped me picture it becoming my new home. I love the Christian aspect of the University and, of course, they have a great cross country and track program." 

Zoe Gordon

Hometown: Phoenix, NY
High School: John C. Birdlebough High School 
Parents: Jeffrey and Tanya Gordon
Major: Homeland Security
Before Roberts: Scholar-Athlete … 2023 Section III pentathlon champion … 2023 sectional champion in 3,000-meter run … 2023 league champion in pentathlon.
I chose Roberts because: "of the community and to grow my relationship with Jesus."
 

Daniel Hernandez

Hometown: Westtown, NY
High School: Minisink Valley High School 
Parents: Mashiel Santos and Prudencio Hernandez 
Major: Media Art
Before Roberts: Team captain his junior and senior seasons … Received "Coaches Award" following his senior season … Finished 19^th at Section IX Class A championships as a senior.
I chose Roberts because: "I knew God meant for me to continue pursuing my athletics and academics here."

Jessica Montemorano

Hometown: Clyde, NY
High School: Clyde-Savannah
Parents: Jeff and Angela Montemorano
Major: Criminal Justice
Before Roberts: Class valedictorian … Selected Most Improved Runner on cross country team … Track and field Rookie of the Year.   
I chose Roberts because: "It feels like home and I want to deepen my spiritual relationship with God."
 

Matthew Rizzo

Hometown: Williamsville, NY
High School: Williamsville South
Parents: Michael and Jeanine Rizzo
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Before Roberts: Finished 13^th in 2022 Section VI Class B1 championships.
I chose Roberts because: "I chose Roberts because their 3+2 program was a good opportunity."
 

Rachel Webster

Hometown: Webster, NY
High School: Webster Thomas
Parents: Jeffrey and Suzanne Webster
Major: Childhood education with a concentration in English
 Before Roberts: Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Webster Thomas High School … Member of the World Language Honor Society  … Ran varsity cross country for four years … Made second-team All-County twice. 
I chose Roberts because: "I chose Roberts because I was drawn to the environment that is promised to revolve around Christian-based values."