WASHINGTON – The American University cross country team will open their season on Saturday (Aug. 30) at the Richmond Spider Alumni Open in Mechanicsville, Va. The meet will be an opportunity for the Eagles to test their fitness as they continue preparing for the Patriot League Cross Country Championships on Oct. 31.
Both squads will open the season in shorter distances than their usual cross country races, with the men running a 6k and the women running a 4k, both on a 2k loop. The meet will coincide with the USATF Virginia XC Championships.
American enters the season under head coach
Sean Graham, in his ninth year leading the Eagles. Graham will be aided by assistant coaches
Zach Prescott, in his fourth year at AU, and
Madison Neuner, in their second year.
SPIDER ALUMNI OPEN INFO
- Men's 6k: 9:15 a.m.
- Women's 4k: 9:50 a.m.
- Course: Pole Green Park, Mechanicsville, Va.
- Live Results
Last year, the Eagles on the men's side placed second to UVA, led by junior
Carver Morgan. On the women's side, the Eagles placed sixth, led by senior
Lucia Ianello. This season, the Eagles return several strong contributors on both sides. The men's squad retained all of last year's top seven runners, including Patriot League track champions and NCAA First Round qualifiers
Kaden Kluth and
Carver Morgan. The men's program is entering the season ranked seventh in the Mid-Atlantic region, their highest regional ranking since 2013.
On the women's side, several of the team's top seven are returning — including seniors
Sophia Staiger and
Kate Riley, both regular scorers from last season. Sophomores
Kara Langbaum and
Zoe Rector, coming off strong freshman cross country seasons, look to contribute further this season. The women's program is also bringing in top talent in freshmen
Shealyn Brochu,
Georgina Chalow,
Emma Colavito,
Lydia Drago, and
Charlotte Orr, all of whom are ready to make their marks on the program.
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STARTING LINE: MEN
Jack Chandler
Papakojo Danquah
Jaden Frederick
Barak Goldstein
Daden Grogan
Kaden Kluth
Charles Lovett
David Manfredi
Cooper Michaud
Carver Morgan
Noah Smith
Zack Zerbe
STARTING LINE: WOMEN
Sheaelyn Brochu
Georgina Chalow
Emma Colavito
Lydia Drago
Catherine Hany
Grace Kirk
Kara Langbaum
Scarlett Lestina
Estella Miller
Fiona Murphy
Charlotte Orr
Hannah Puckett
Zoe Rector
Kate Riley
Hannah Schwab
Sophia Staiger
Skyler Tatum
