WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The West Liberty University men's and women's cross country teams will begin their 2025 seasons on Thursday evening, hosting the West Liberty University Invitational at Bethany College. The meet will also mark the debut of Michael Guinn II, who has been elevated from assistant coach to interim head coach.
Guinn takes over two rosters that feature a solid mix of veterans and newcomers, giving both squads optimism heading into the fall.
On the men's side, senior Robert Allen (Moundsville, W.Va./John Marshall), senior Jasper Brown (Fairmont, W.Va./Fairmont Senior), and senior Francis Toohey (Martins Ferry, Ohio/Martins Ferry) return to lead the lineup. All three have logged multiple years of MEC Championship experience and bring valuable leadership to a group heavy with freshmen talent. Sophomores Seth Krocker (New Philadelphia, Ohio/Indian Valley), David Wilson (Martinsburg, W.Va./Spring Mills), and Zachary Workman (Morgantown, W.Va./Morgantown) also return after gaining collegiate experience last season.
They'll be joined by a large freshman class that includes Landen Davis (Magnolia), Joshua Gill (Parkersburg South), Walker Jones (Parkersburg South), Finlay Lorimer (Morgantown), Dylan Malolepszy (Ritchie County), Michael Niggemyer (Grafton), Shepherd Richey (Barnesville), and Christian Rutherford (Parkersburg). The infusion of youth gives Guinn plenty of depth to develop throughout the season.
The women's team is paced by senior Ally Hicks (Cameron, W.Va./Linsly), who has been a steady contributor for the Black and Gold throughout her career. She's joined by returners Lacey Dimit (Parkersburg, W.Va./Wood County Christian), Emily Dunlevy (Wheeling, W.Va./Wheeling Park), and Makayla Carter (St. Albans, W.Va./St. Albans), all of whom gained valuable experience a year ago.
A talented freshman group adds intrigue to the women's side, led by Elizabeth Hines (Parkersburg Vienna), Gretchen House (Chadwick, Mo.), Katherine Rutherford (Parkersburg), McKenzie Upole (Grantsville, Md.), Alexis Wynn (Williamstown), and Naomi Young (Weirton/Weir). With several newcomers expected to contribute immediately, the Hilltoppers will look to build depth as the season unfolds.
"Both groups have trained hard and are ready to compete," Guinn said. "We have strong leadership from our returners, and I'm excited to see how our younger runners step into their roles. This first meet will be a great benchmark for us moving forward."
The Hilltoppers will race against a mix of MEC and regional opponents on Thursday in Bethany, with the women's 5K scheduled to begin at 5 p.m., followed by the men's 8K at 6 p.m.
