Cross Country posts a strong showing at the Winthrop Invitational

ROCK HILL, S.C. – The UNC Asheville cross country teams posted a strong showing on Saturday at the Winthrop Invitational. The men's team finished first in the team standings, while the women's squad placed second only to South Carolina with 64 points. The men's victory is the first team win for the Bulldogs since September 21, 2018 at the Asheville Cross Country Invitational.

"Coming into these races we stressed competing better," said UNC Asheville Head Coach Adam Puett afterward. "I believe we did that today as we continue to build ourselves up towards the Big South Championships. Plus, it's always fun to win and place high against fellow Conference schools."

The men's 8k race began the day and the top part of the leader board was full of Bulldogs. Asheville runners posted three of the four fastest times. John Ciprich paced the field of 40 runners with a time of 25:19.1. Adam Hessler (3^rd – 25:52.4) and Daniel Hopkins (4^th – 25:53.4) were not far behind for the top time. Furthermore, Jackson Core (8^th – 26:39.0), Andrew Okon (9^th – 26:42.8), and Dylan Major (10^th – 26:43.4) all ranked in the top 10 as well.

The women's 5k race followed and the Bulldogs competed well against some stiff competition. Asheville topped Gardner-Webb, The Citadel, and Winthrop, while finishing behind only South Carolina. Emma Kennett posted the top time for the Bulldogs clocking in at 19:57.3 and placed 11^th. Not too far behind Kennett were Madeline Wittschen (15^th – 20:21.4), Sophie Lundin (20^th – 20:52.6), and Alyx Beausoleil (21^st – 20:58.9).

The next races for Asheville will be on October 1 when they compete at the Louisville Invitational.

Cross Country posts a strong showing at the Winthrop Invitational

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Players Mentioned

Alyx Beausoleil

John Ciprich

Jackson Core

Adam Hessler

Daniel Hopkins

Emma Kennett

Sophie Lundin

Dylan Major

Andrew Okon

Madeline Wittschen