2016-17 Men's Cross Country Roster
Biography
Why Niagara?“The atmosphere of the academics and athletics was incredible. It seemed like the perfect fit and mama said I look good in purple!”
2015 (Junior)
Even with an interruption of training/abbreviated season, made the MAAC Championship squad…Scored within team’s top 5 on 5 occasions…Team’s #3 scorer at Notre Dame Invite, Paul Short, and Canisius Alumni Classic…MAAC All-Academic recipient.
2014 (Sophomore)
Made the MAAC and NCAA Northeast Regional squads...Finished in team’s top-4 in all 7 meets...Team’s #2 scorer at UB Stampede (26:47), Canisius Alumni Classic (27:19), and NCAA Northeast Regionals…Team’s #3 scorer at MAAC Championship and Notre Dame Catholic Invitational (26:57/5Miles), 12th place finish at Little 3…Season best and personal best time of 26:11 in the 8k and 33:11 in the 10k at NCAA Regionals...MAAC all-academic recipient.
2013 (Freshman)Made the MAAC and NCAA Regional squads... Finished in team’s top-5 on five occasions... Team’s #2 scorer at MAAC championship and team’s #3 scorer on 3 occasions... Season best of 27:19 in the 6k... Awarded team’s Most Improved athlete.
High School
At Barker High School, Bender won the State Championship in 2011…was a State Champion runner-up in both 2010 and 2012…he is the record holder at Barker for the 4x800m and steeplechase…was named the Athlete of the Year as a senior in 2012-13.
PersonalBorn in Barker, NY…son of Merrill and Vickie…currently pursuing a degree in Accounting.
Track Personal Bests:
1500: 4:10.90
3,000: 9:06.29
3,200: 9.53.36
5k: 16:03.85
Historical Player Information
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2014-15Sophomore
5'2"
132 lbs
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2015-16Junior
5'2"
132 lbs
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2016-17Senior
5'2"
132 lbs
