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Hilltopper Cross Country Heads Back to Bethany for Invitational

9/12/2025 9:00:00 AM

By: West Liberty University Sports Information

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University men's and women's cross country teams will return to familiar ground this Saturday when they line up for the Bethany Invitational. Both squads opened their 2025 campaigns on the same course just over a week ago and will look to build on promising starts.

The Hilltopper men impressed in their opener with a runner-up team finish behind Charleston in the eight-team field. Freshman Joshua Gill paced the group in his collegiate debut, placing 6th overall (19:17.2) in the 6K. Veteran leadership wasn't far behind as seniors Francis Toohey (10th, 19:31.1) and Robert Allen (11th, 19:32.2) ran stride for stride near the front of the pack. Senior Jasper Brown (15th, 19:39.1) and freshman Michael Niggemyer (22nd, 20:01.4) rounded out the scoring five to help West Liberty edge Mountain East rival Glenville State for second place. With additional depth from Finlay Lorimer and Christian Rutherford, the Hilltoppers head into this weekend confident in their ability to contend.

On the women's side, a youthful lineup turned in a fifth-place finish out of eight teams in the opener, led by a pair of top-20 performances. Freshman Alexis Wynn shined in her debut with a 14th-place effort (19:42.8), while junior Lacey Dimit wasn't far behind in 17th (19:48.4). Classmate Gretchen House also impressed in her first college race, clocking 20:12.0 for 24th. Freshmen Katherine Rutherford (35th) and Naomi Young (36th) completed the scoring five, while senior Ally Hicks and freshman McKenzie Upole provided added depth.

With several underclassmen already contributing to the lineup and veterans providing steady leadership, both Hilltopper squads are eager to test themselves again on Saturday against a larger and deeper field.

Runners to Watch

  • Joshua Gill (Fr.) – Burst onto the scene with a 6th-place finish in his debut.
     

  • Francis Toohey (Sr.) – Veteran leader and consistent top-10 finisher.
     

  • Alexis Wynn (Fr.) – Strong debut performance leading the women's squad.
     

  • Lacey Dimit (Jr.) – Reliable scorer with experience on the Bethany course.


 
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