VESTAL, N.Y. -- Two weeks ago, the Binghamton men's and women's cross country teams competed at the America East Championships at Albany. In addition to their families and track & field teammates cheering them on, there was another special group of supporters on hand -- the 2009 Binghamton men's cross country team.

Ten years ago, the Bearcat men's squad won their first-ever America East cross country title. The runners have stayed close over the years and decided to reconnect on the same weekend as the conference meet. After gathering on Friday evening for a social hour, the 2009 Bearcats came to the America East meet and then ended the weekend with a team dinner.

Although it has been 10 years, the Binghamton alums were able to pick up right where they left off in terms of the closeness they had with each other. The process of coming together to make history cemented their bond as teammates long after graduation.

"It was fantastic to reunite with everyone," Chris Gaube said. "What made this group so special was our collective bond and shared experience in building up the program. It was great to reminisce about the 2009 Championship, but also see & hear how great everyone is doing. It felt like we all picked up right where we had left off last."

"That weekend was just a reminder of how much fun our group had during our time at Binghamton," Chris Raulli said. "The moment we saw each other, even after almost a decade apart we were joking around like no time had passed."

Without question, the members of that championship have accomplished a great deal, both professionally and personally. They have been at each other's weddings and seen each other graduate from either med school or grad school as well as starting careers on a good note. Several of them have gone on to run marathons since they graduated from Binghamton.

"We all put in years of work and sacrifice to get to that 2009 championship, but I don't think the rewards stopped there," Raulli said. "Everyone has perused both athletic and non-athletic endeavors in their time after Binghamton and it was so great to hear everyone's story. No matter what path each individual took, somewhere along the line the experiences and lessons learned at Binghamton helped us get to where we are today. It iis something I think we will be forever grateful for."