EWING, Va. --- The Tusculum University men's and women's cross country teams made their 2024 season debuts Friday evening at the Railsplitter Open, hosted by Lincoln Memorial University at the Monte Vista Golf Course.
The Tusculum men finished fourth behind Lincoln Memorial, Carson-Newman and UVA Wise with 105 points, while the Pioneer women were also fourth with 112 points.
The Pioneers will be back in action next Friday, Sept. 13 when they compete at the Firetower Project Run at Appalachian State University.
MEN'S RECAP
The Pioneers fielded a lineup with four freshmen, with newcomer Ryan Harn the top finisher over the 6-kilometer course with a time of 22:48.1. Sophomore Simon Ray was 19th in 23:47.1, while Levi Carson took 24th in 24:45.0. Jack Watson took 27th place at 26:11.8, and Konnor Weaver was the Pioneers' fifth finisher in 27:02.2.
Colten Lee of Carson-Newman was the individual winner by 18 seconds over Marig Engelbrecht of Lincoln Memorial, as the Railsplitters had finishers two through six to win the team title with 20 points. Carson-Newman was second with 46 points, and UVA Wise took third at 66 points ahead of the Pioneers at 105 points.
WOMEN'S RECAP
Grad student Tashianna Gray was the Pioneers' top finisher in 18th place at 17:35.8 over the 4-kilometer course. Grad student Alayna Suitte was 27th at 19:57.8, and grad student Megan Humiston placed 32nd at 21:29.4. Junior Victoria Caliendo finished 35th in 22:16.0, and sophomore Sadie Blue was 36th at 22:19.3.
Grace Rose led five Lincoln Memorial runners in the top six by winning the individual race in 15:22.9, taking the top spot by 37 seconds over Jenna Pittman of Carson-Newman. The Railsplitters had 19 points, with Carson-Newman at 55 points, UVA Wise at 64 points and the Pioneers at 112 points.
Railsplitter Open
at Ewing, Va.
Tusculum men: 15. Ryan Harn, 22:48.1; 19. Simon Ray, 23:47.1; 24. Levi Carson, 24:45.0; 27. Jack Watson, 26:11.8; 30. Konnor Weaver, 27:02.2.
Men's team scores: 1. Lincoln Memorial 20; 2. Carson-Newman 46; 3. UVA Wise 66; 4. Tusculum 105.
Tusculum women: 18. Tashianna Gray, 17:35.8; 27. Alayna Suitte, 19:57.8; 32. Megan Humiston, 21:29.4; 35. Victoria Caliendo, 22:16.0; 36. Sadie Blue, 22:19.3.
Women's team scores: 1. Lincoln Memorial 19; 2. Carson-Newman 55; 3. UVA Wise 64; 4. Tusculum 112.
