WHEELING, W.Va. — The West Liberty University men's and women's cross country teams will close out the 2025 season Saturday morning at the Mountain East Conference Championships, hosted by West Liberty at Oglebay Resort's Crispin Golf Course.

The women's 6K championship race will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the men's 8K at 10:30 a.m.. An awards ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m.

Men Look to Build on Strong Season Start

 

The Hilltopper men have put together a steady 2025 campaign highlighted by a team title at the Bethany Invitational and a runner-up finish at the West Liberty Invitational. Most recently, the group placed 10th among 19 teams at the highly competitive Carnegie Mellon Invitational.

Senior Robert Allen has led the way throughout the fall, clocking a season-best 25:19.1 at the Louisville Classic — one of the top 10 times in program history — while fellow seniors Francis Toohey and Jasper Brown have consistently provided scoring depth inside the team's top three.

Coach Michael Guinn II said the group has embraced adversity after an early-season injury forced some lineup adjustments.

"We've been hit by the injury bug a bit, but our 4-5-6 runners — a sophomore and two freshmen — have really stepped up," Guinn said. "Between fourth and seventh place in the conference, it could come down to just a handful of points. We're excited to see who can have a big day and help us mix it up in that group."

West Liberty's best team performance came at the Bethany Invitational, where the Hilltoppers averaged 27:13.4 with a tight 1:22 one-to-five split.

Women's Youth Movement Continues to Impress

 

On the women's side, a young West Liberty squad has shown steady progress throughout the 2025 season, earning top-five team finishes at both the West Liberty and Bethany Invitationals.

Freshman Lexi Wynn has emerged as the team's top finisher in multiple meets, while junior Lacey Dimit — a two-time All-MEC performer — has been a steady presence among the leaders despite battling through an early-season injury.

"We're very young, with just one upperclassman in our top five," Guinn said. "But every week they're improving and setting personal bests. If Lacey, Lexi, and Naomi can find their groove at the right time, we could surprise some people and maybe get a couple of all-conference finishers."

The women's team posted its season-best average time of 25:01 at the Bethany Invitational, with a tight 1:20 split among scorers — a promising sign for championship racing.

Guinn added that Saturday's race at Oglebay's Crispin Course will present a unique challenge.

"It's a tough course — a lot of hills and uneven ground," he said. "It's not about time; it's about racing smart and competing for place. Championship racing is all about effort and toughness."

With top regional programs such as Davis & Elkins, Charleston, and West Virginia Wesleyan in the mix, the Hilltoppers will aim to finish their season strong heading into the regional. 

 

MEC Championship Schedule – Saturday, Oct. 26
    Oglebay Resort – Crispin Golf Course (Wheeling, W.Va.)

• 9:30 a.m. – Women's 6K Championship

• 10:30 a.m. – Men's 8K Championship

• 11:30 a.m. – Awards Ceremony