DAYTON — University of Dayton cross country will open its 2025 season in Oxford, Ohio Friday as it competes in the RedHawk Rumble, hosted by Miami University. The event will serve as a double debut for the Flyers, as it marks not only the opening race of the season but also the program's first-ever competition at Miami.
 
A total of 26 runners are expected to toe the line for the Flyers Friday morning, 15 in the men's race and 11 in the women's competition. Eight total freshmen will be running in their first collegiate cross country race. Alex Bendaña, Tyler Giunipero, Kamden Kramer, and Jacob Reash will be making their debut for the men's team. The women's race will feature debuts from Bailey Gross, Abigail Jordan, Reese Kohnle, and Addison Stephens.
 
Start Times
Men's 5K: 9:15 a.m.
Women's 5K: 9:45 p.m.
 
Dayton Cross Country is coming off of a 2024 season that saw both teams finish 11th in the A-10.
 
UD opened last season strong when both teams finished third in the opening event, the Mike Baumer Cross Country Classic, hosted by Wright State University.
 
In the women's race, Junior Olivia Kindbom crossed the line in first place in a personal best time of 17:41. Her performance was enough to earn her A-10 performer of the week honors. She was followed by Senior Marissa Pritchett, who was the runner-up in a time of 17:46, also a personal best for her. Junior Anna Newkirk was the third Flyer in the top ten and the third PR of the day as she finished ninth in 18:18.
 
On the men's side, Sam Duncan was the first Flyer across the line, finishing in third place in 14:56. He was later named as the A-10 Performer of the Week by the conference. Sophomore Andrew Wilcox impressed in his collegiate debut, finishing fourth with a time of 15:13, which earned him A-10 Rookie of the Week honors. 
 
For more information on the Redhawk Rumble, click on the links above and follow the Flyers on Instagram @ud_xctf and on X @UDWomensTF_XC and @DaytonMXC