University of Lynchburg Hornets Shine with Top-Ten Finishes During Thrilling Split-Squad Weekend

Lynchburg Cross Country Teams Shine in Recent Meets

The University of Lynchburg’s men’s and women’s cross country teams recently took part in two high-stakes competitions. Both events provided a chance to gauge their skills against strong Division III rivals.

At the Connecticut College Invite in Waterford, Conn., the men’s team showed impressive form. Competing in the men’s 8k blue race, they were up against 11 other ranked teams, finishing 10th overall. This ranking places them as a strong contender in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, trailing only Washington & Lee.

Alex Paciello stood out with a personal record of 24:55, finishing 46th. He improved significantly from his earlier performance at the Paul Short Run. Aidan Riggle also set a new personal best, clocking in at 24:57.52, while Alex Jordan followed closely behind.

In the white race, Dylan McGraw had a noteworthy finish, taking 7th place with a time of 25:24.8. He was joined by Mercer Alden, who secured a personal best with a time of 25:57.2.

Over at the Roanoke XC Invitational in Salem, Va., the women’s team placed 5th out of 20 teams. Adelynn Carpenter led the charge with a sixth-place finish, at 22:05.5, showcasing her stamina by maintaining a strong pace. Mya Baker came in 29th, just eight seconds shy of her best time, while Delaney Saulsbury and Georgie Lanham finished within seconds of each other in 32nd and 34th place.

On the men’s side, the team placed 7th in a competitive field, with Rami Dib finishing 30th with a time of 26:06.6.

In recent years, interest in cross country has surged. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, participation in high school cross country increased by over 5% between 2019 and 2021. This rise reflects a growing awareness of the sport’s benefits, including improved physical fitness and mental resilience.

Looking ahead, the Hornets will gear up for the 2025 ODAC Cross Country Championships on Nov. 1, hosted by Bridgewater College. This event is set to be another test of their skills and resilience.

For more details on the recent races, check the results from the Connecticut College Invite and the Roanoke XC Invitational. You can also follow the latest updates on the Lynchburg athletics website LynchburgSports.com.

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