Cross country teams open 2021 season with dominant win in Mike Baumer Invitational

The UD men’s and women’s cross country teams pose with their trophies after winning the Mike Baumer Invitational on Sept. 3. Photo courtesy of UD Athletics.

Taylor Robertson | Assistant Sports Editor

The University of Dayton men’s and women’s cross country teams headed to Fairborn, Ohio, for the first race of the year. On Friday, Sept. 3, the Flyers dominated the competition at the Mike Baumer Invitational at Wright State, snatching a first place finish overall. 

Leading the pack for the men’s race was Brandon Christopher, finishing fourth overall with a time of 15:18.4. Within four seconds of Christopher, teammates Bryce Conley, Sam Duncan and Connor Ewert placed fifth, sixth and seventh. 

The women’s cross country team finished second overall on the women’s side. Sophomore Abby Carter ran the fastest time for the Flyers landing her fifth place with a time of 18:05.1. Alongside Carter, teammate Zoe Chappelle finished in 10th place with a time of 18:25.2. 

“With how much youth and inexperience we have on the squad, it really sets us up for a good progression as the season goes on,” head coach Jason Ordway said. “I’m really excited to see how we develop as the season progresses, after a good overall team showing to start the year.”

The Flyers will be headed to Cedarville University on September 17 for the next race of the season, the All-Ohio Championships.

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