AMES, Iowa – The Drake University cross country programs opened the 2024 season on Friday, Aug. 30 at the Cyclone Preview hosted at the Iowa State Cross Country Course in Ames. The Bulldogs had a productive day and started their schedule in promising fashion.
Emilie Meyer and
Tyla Lumley came across in 17th and 18th, respectively, to lead the Bulldog women. Meyer ran a time of 17:42.0 while Lumley notched a 17:42.2. The host Cyclones had a dominant showing in the women's 5K with eight of the top 10 finishers.
Further down the board,
Anastasia Kirillov finished 24
th (17:59.5) and
Breanna Burak rounded out the top 25 (17:59.6).
Drake's leading men's returner,
Enzo Marie, had a spectacular start to the season with a third-place finish in the 6K. Marie finished behind Iowa State stars Devan Kipyego and Ryan Watts with a time of 18:10.40. The Bulldogs had one more top 10 place winner in
Aziz Jdai. He took ninth with a final time of 18:39.90.
Other key Bulldogs include
Juan Trasobares in 13th (19:01.90),
Xander Kwa in 17th (19:17.0), and
Brendan Cain in 18th (19:23.9).
"I'm satisfied with the day in Ames," Drake head coach
Jay Koloseus said. "We went up there to practice pack and running controlled. I was very pleased seeing our athletes hold their composure and stick to the plans, even with all the excitement [of the season opener]. Now it's time to get back to work and truly compete in September and October."
The Bulldogs will have nearly a month off before resuming their 2024 schedule at the Greeno/Dirksen Invitational in Lincoln, Neb. on Sep. 21.
