After the women’s team won the CAA conference championships last year, the men’s and women’s cross country teams were ready to hit the course running.
The men’s 6k and the women’s 4k races took place at the Elon Cross Country Course. The start time of the Phoenix races was pushed back due to thunder, with the women starting at 9:00 pm and the men starting at 9:30 pm.
Senior Abby Beville led the way for the women’s team, with an individual placing of 1st, clocking in at a time of 13:58:40. Beville broke away from most of the group early, giving her an advantage for the rest of the race. This is Beville’s second consecutive year winning this event.
She said winning this race for a second consecutive year will give her confidence as the season continues.
“It’s a good confidence boost going into this season,” Beville said. “Preparing was really just the summer training, like having such a great workout group. So just looking forward to the rest of the season and connecting with the team.”
Freshman Brynne Gordon finished behind Beville with a time of 14:02.20 in the first race of her college career.
The Elon women’s cross country team captured the first four spots in the race. This led to the Phoenix collecting 21 points and securing a 1st-place victory.
According to Beville, the team is hungry for another CAA Championship victory this season. Beville has big goals for herself this season, but also for the team.
“I think just staying consistent throughout the entire season,” Bevillle said. “It’s a really long season, so try not to get burnt out, and stay strong. Obviously, the team wants to come back and win another CAA championship. So I think that’s the main goal”.
Graduate student Evan Taylor led the way for the Phoenix men’s team with a 10th-place finish and a time of 19:30.10.
Taylor said he was proud of how he competed in his first race this season.
“I’m super happy with my performance, and as a fifth year, I haven’t done too many openers just because of injury and whatnot,” Taylor said. “So, I was just grateful to get out there with the team, and I was very happy with how I was able to work with my teammates and perform.”
Right behind Taylor in a close finish, sophomore Luke Chisum finished with a time of 19:30.30.
The Elon men’s cross country team had two competitors finish in the top 15. This led to the Phoenix collecting 109 points and finishing in 5th place.
Taylor said he was excited for the upcoming season, and he knows that great things will happen.
“I’m super excited. We have a really young team,” Taylor said. “We have six freshmen and six sophomores, so we’re really young, but a lot of the guys are super talented. So I think we can be really good this year and for the years to come”.
Elon competes next at the Queen City Invite on Sept. 11th in Charlotte.