CHARLESTON, S.C.  Methodist University men's and women's cross country teams ran its first meet of the 2024 season on Friday, at the CSU Buccaneer Open. The women's five kilometer race began the day, followed by the men's six kilometer race.

THE ESSENTIALS
Event: CSU Buccaneer Open (5K women, 6K men)
Location: Charleston Southern University campus; Charleston, South Carolina
Top teams, men: 1 – CSU (20 pts.), 2 – Coastal Carolina University (40), 3 – Savannah College of Art & Design (89)
Top individuals, men: 1 – Caleb Kenyon, CSU (19:11.9), 2 – Zach Mickler, Unattached (19:15.3), 3 – Adam Groves, Coastal (19:17.3)
Top teams, women: 1 – CSU (29 pts.), 2 – College of Charleston (37), 3 – SCAD (72)
Top individuals, women: 1 – Sarah McCartney, CSU (18:04.3), 2 – Sophia Brown, CoC (18:17.3), 3 – Katrina Husby, CSU (18:34.4)

MONARCH NOTES

• Newcomer Emma Wilson made her collegiate debut at today's open. She came in 54^th overall and led all Monarch women with a time of 25 minutes, 14.0 seconds.
• Niya Johnson, who recorded a new personal 5k record, crossed the finish line with a time of 32:06.5, while Imani Kee clocked in at 33:45.1 to wrap up all female runners that finished the race.
• On the men's side, Rafael Shilengitha was the first Methodist runner to cross the line following a time of 21:31.6, which was good for 38^th place. Jack Barriger was not far behind him, with a time of 21:50.2, for 46^th overall.
• About 45 seconds later, Logan Williams (22:36.6) was the third Monarch male to complete the race.
• The final three Methodist runners to wrap up the meet were Landon Faircloth (25:30.9), Komla Akogo (29:56.8), and Damian Jefferson (30:17.2). For Akogo and Jefferson, this was their first cross country race.

UP NEXT
Methodist is back in action one week from today as the Monarchs will be hosting their Downback Invitational, on September 6^th. The women's race is scheduled for 5 PM followed by the men at 5:45 PM.