News release from Texas A&M Athletics:
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – The Texas A&M cross country team returns to the Watts Cross Country Course Friday, as it hosts the Texas A&M Invitational where the men will compete in the 8k starting at 8 a.m., followed by the women running the 5k circuit at 8:45 a.m.
“The home opener is always exciting,” distance coach Wendel McRaven said. “It’s great for our team to get the opportunity to race in front of their family, friends and local fans. This is another chance for us to continue to see the kind of team we are going to be.”
The Maroon & White look to repeat last year’s invitational performance, as they swept the team titles in dominant fashion. The women’s squad returns the top finisher from last year’s race in Maddie Livingston, as well as two other top-10 point scorers in Kennady Fontenot and Shewaye Johnson. On the men’s side, Cooper Cawthra looks to defend his title, while Jonathan Chung and Jack Johnston return following top-10 finishes last season.
A&M started the 2024 campaign off strong with a pair of team podium finishes at the Cowboy Preview. The women earned first place, led by freshman San Juanita Leal, who impressed in her collegiate debut by posting a 3k time of 10.30.2 to secure first place individually. Other point-scoring finishes included Maddie Peters, Megan Roberts, Fontenot and Elise Smoot who placed sixth, 10th, 14th and 15th, respectively.
Sophomore, Zack Munger recorded a 5k time of 15:03.7 to claim third place individually and lead the men’s squad to a second-place finish. Other notable performances included Luca Santorum in sixth, Johnston in 12th, Diego Heredia in 17th and Aiden Gonzalez-Rodiles in 21st.
Fourteen other teams join the Aggies at the Texas A&M Invitational, including Baylor, Blinn College, Houston, Louisiana, North Texas, Oklahoma, Sam Houston, SMU, St. Edwards, TAMU-Commerce, Tarleton State, TCU, Tulane and UT-Tyler.
Fans can follow the action through Flash Results.
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