X-Men run to 1st place in season-opening meet

The X-Men cross country team ran to a first place finish in the opening meet of the season this afternoon in Halifax. Saint Mary’s University hosted the meet at Point Pleasant Park and 43 AUS runners took part.

Third year runner Connor McGuire led the X-Men to the first place victory as he finished first overall in the 7.5k race, posting a time of 24:36. Four more of his X-Men teammates finished in the top ten, including Dennis Kayumba in 4th place at 24:49. Dalhousie runner Matt McNeil (24:39) was second, just three seconds off McGuire’s pace, and Jake Wing (24:46) from Saint Mary’s came third.

StFX placed runners in fifth through seventh positions. Freshman runner Bryden Tate crossed the line in 5th place with a time of 24:50, while Zach MacDonald (24:51) and Riley Johnston (24:58) were 6th and 7th, respectively.

Also running for StFX were Aaron Doucette (25:17) in 11th place, Gabe Quenneville (25:52) in 14th, St Deering (25:54) in 15th, William Forsey (26:22) in 20th, Ben Gunn-Doerge (26:28) in 23rd, Ryan Hawkrigg (26:42) in 24th and Ryan Hatchard (27:21) in 28th spot.

The X-Men earned the first place showing with 23 total point. Dalhousie followed in second place with 49, while UNB was third at 87. Saint Mary’s (94) and St. Thomas (128) wrapped up fourth and fifth positions.

The X-Men will next see action on Saturday, Sept. 24th when they travel to Wolfville, NS for the Acadia Invitational meet.