MANCHESTER, Conn - The Johnson & Wales men's and women's cross country teams opened the season at the Trinity Invitational at Wickham Park in Manchester, Conn. The men finished in 5th place while the women placed 7th.
The men's team scored 170 points to come in behind Coast Guard and ahead of St. Joseph's of Connecticut. There was a one point differential between the top three teams, with Franklin Pierce coming in first with 39 points, trailed by Trinity with 40 points, and American International with 41.
Leading the pack for the men was first-year Zach Curry who placed 48th overall recording a time of 19:15.1 in his collegiate debut. He was closely followed by returning sophomore Matthew Ursillo (19:43.7), first-year Ethan Malorzo (19:47.1), and first-year Owen Eubanks (19:50.8).
The Johnson & Wales women's team finished with 214 points, besting Western Connecticut State, and trailing closely behind University of St. Joseph's (Conn.). Trinity came in first, winning the women's race with 38 points.
The women's team was led by its first-year runners, with Claire Livernois crossing the line at 26:34.9. She was closely followed by fellow teammate Haley Chaykowski (26:42.1), Ellie Aliperti (27:47.5), and Kaleigh Kearney (28:29.2).
The Wildcats return to the trail 12 p.m., Saturday September 14, at the Mitchell Invitational in Mitchell Woods.
Men's Results 48. Zach Curry 19:15.1
56. Matthew Ursillo 19:43.7
57. Ethan Malorzo 19:47.1
58. Owen Eubanks 19:50.8
65. Nick Pereira 20:32.5
72. Marc Anthony Chavez 21:56.4
75. Nathan Pasquarello 22:58.9
78. Kyle Spicher 23:54.6
79. Luis Santiago 24:01.8
80. Blake Reale 24:04.1
86. Dumhah Reid 25:58.2
Women's Results
67. Claire Livernois 26:34.9
68. Haley Chaykowski 26:42.1
73. Ellie Aliperti 27:47.5
76. Kaleigh Kearney 28:06.7
77. Ameila Warfer 28:29.2
80. Tori Finch 30:36.0
83. Julia Thompson 32:06.9
85. Kate Henderson 33:58.2