POUGHKEEPSIE, New York - Marist Athletics is cheering on one of its own this upcoming weekend as Spencer Bossi-Johnson prepares to compete in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon on February 3 in Orlando, FL.

After graduating from Marist in 2017, Bossi-Johnson (formerly Johnson), continued his running career, going on to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Trials Marathon after completing the 2022 California International Marathon with a time of 2:17:15.

During his time at Marist, Bossi-Johnson was a member of the Marist Cross Country and track & field teams, serving as team captain of the former. He played a major role in the Red Foxes earning a second place finish in the 2016 MAAC Cross Country Championships. He was also a three-time IC4A qualifier in the 10,000 meters outdoors. Bossi-Johnson was also the recipient of the second ever Gregory J. Salamone Scholarship, which is awarded to the T&F/XC student athlete who best exemplifies excellence in academics, and excellence in long-distance events on the track and cross country running.

The 28-year old has a decorated post-college running career, highlights of which include:

• Winner, 2021 San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon
• First Place-Team, 2023 USATF Cross Country Championship

Quote From Spencer Bossi-Johnson

"Qualifying for the Olympic trials is extremely exciting for me and something I never imagined I could accomplish, and I'm super fortunate to have Coach Pete and a bunch of Marist teammates making the trip down to Orlando to cheer me on. Pete taught me so my invaluable lessons during my time as a Red Fox that I still carry with me today, and his support, coaching and advice after all these years since graduation helped me get to the start line. Balancing a full-time job with high-mileage training isn't always easy, but I have a great team in San Diego to train with, with 5 of us qualifying!"
 

Quote From Pete Colaizzo, Director of XC & T&F

"We're all very proud of Spencer. It's gratifying that he has stayed connected with our current team, and the guys idolize him. His progression of improvement out in San Diego has been amazing, a credit to his hard work and to the camaraderie he has formed with his San Diego Track Club teammates. It'll be fun to reconnect with him and several of his former teammates down in Orlando."