VALPARAISO, Ind. — The University of Notre Dame men’s and women’s cross country teams left Sunset Hill Farm County Park on top Friday following the season’s opening meet, with the Irish pacing the field at the Crusader Classic Invitational hosted by Valparaiso University.
In a test of the program’s less experienced cross country racers, the women topped the leaderboard in Valpo for the second straight season, with Irish scorers taking five of the top 10 spots in the 5K. Sophomores Maddy Denner (17:03.2) and Jocelyn Long (17:40.6) finished first and second, while senior captain Kelly Hart (17:42.8) placed third. Senior Erin Archibeck (17:56.0) came in sixth, while sophomore Meghan Scott (18:17.8) finished 10th. Meanwhile, freshman Olivia Markezich (17:56.4) finished in seventh while racing unattached.
In the men’s 6K race, the Irish similarly claimed five of the top 10 places, including the top three. Sophomore Zach Kreft (18:09.9) claimed the top spot, followed by classmate Matthew Carmody (18:25.4) and junior Brian Griffith (18:32.4). Junior Vincent Zona (18:53.6) and sophomore Jack McNabola (18:54.2) rounded out the top 10.
“Our guys did their job today,” men’s cross country head coach Sean Carlson said. “They gained some experience and set up some great momentum for the season.”
Up Next
The Irish will return to competition on Sept. 20, when they host the National Catholic Championships at the Burke Golf Course. The meet will feature a combined open division men’s and women’s race, followed by both men’s and women’s championship races.
Crusader Classic Invitational
Sunset Hill Farm County Park
Valparaiso, Ind.
Sept. 6, 2019
Women’s 5K Results
Team Standings
1. Notre Dame 22
2. Indiana State 50
3. IUPUI 71
4. Loyola (Chicago) 96
5. Valparaiso 140
Individual Standings
1. Maddy Denner, 17:03.2
2. Jocelyn Long, 17:40.6
3. Kelly Hart, 17:42.8
6. Erin Archibeck, 17:56.0
7. Olivia Markezich, 17:56.4 (running unattached)
10. Meghan Scott, 18:17.8
11. Jessica Schneider, 18:07.5 (running unattached)
12. Katie Rose Blachowicz, 18:26.8
14. Brooke Trossen, 18:29.9
17. MaryClare Leonard, 18:30.7
19. Madison Ronzone, 18:36.7
20. Jane Archibeck, 18:49.7 (running unattached)
21. Madelyn VanBlunk, 18:50.8
23. Olivia Niziolek, 18:56.9
24. Kelly Koehnen, 18:56.9
25. Mikayla Schneider, 19:02.2
27. Cassie Keyes, 19:09.4 (running unattached)
29. Elizabeth Hannon, 19:12.8
Men’s 6K Results
Team Standings
1. Notre Dame 25
2. Loyola (Chicago) 43
3. IUPUI 82
4. Indiana State 100
5. Valparaiso 110
Individual Standings
1. Zach Kreft, 18:09.9
2. Matthew Carmody, 18:25.4
3. Brian Griffith, 18:32.4
9. Vincent Zona, 18:53.6
10. Jack McNabola, 18:54.2
21. Dustin Macuiba, 19:17.5
23. Andrew Delvecchio, 19:22.2
39. Parker Jones, 19:50.9