Cross Country opens season with solid outing

The Troy cross country teams started the season strong at the JSU Foothill Invitational last Friday. The men’s side finished fifth out of 20 teams, while the women placed sixth out of 21 teams. 

Despite missing Keith Warner, one of the team’s top runners in 2024, the Trojans fared well on the men’s side. Troy was able to secure a solid finish against competition from around the region like Jacksonville State, Auburn, Samford, Alabama State and West Georgia. 

Caden Blackman led the way on the men’s side, setting a new collegiate best in the 5K with a time of 15:25.10 – he earned 12th place for the performance. Blackman was one of eight Trojan men to set a personal best in the event. 

Lane Watson was just behind Blackman in 19th place, clocking in at 15:35.54. Freshman Caden Phillippi impressed in his Troy debut, finishing in 22nd place with a time of 15:41.97. 

Patterson Graham and Ethan Newsome each set personal bests and finished in 34th and 38th place, respectively. Logan Stewart,  Jonas Koturenka and Andrew Bradshaw each set personal bests but slotted in behind Gavan Baxley and Bennett Phillips. 

The Trojan women finished sixth squaring off against competition including Auburn, Jacksonville State, UAB, Samford, Alabama State, West Georgia and more. Three runners set personal bests in the meet. 

Makenna Calbert led Troy with a 20th place finish, running the 5K in 18:38.10. Following behind her was Arianna Elder, who placed 36th with a 19:20.66 mark. 

Haley Wilson and Abigail Carr placed third and fourth on the Trojans, each setting personal bests in the process. They placed 48th and 53rd in the field. 

Giulianna Rivero rounded out the Trojans’ top five runners with a 73rd place finish, clocking in at 20:54.63. 

VCU transfer Sabria Wooden set a personal best, finishing just behind Aisley McMeen and Reece Knowlton. 

The Trojans have time to prepare for their next meet, the Southern Showcase. Troy will hit the course again on Sept. 12 in Huntsville, Alabama.