WOOSTER, OH – The Izzy Alexander era of the Oberlin College men's and women's cross country teams could not have gotten off to a better start, as all 16 runners finished with personal bests at the Wooster Invitational on Friday night.
 
Clocking in at 17:07.4, Caleigh Lyons recorded a personal best to open the 2024 campaign, earning third in the women's 4k and leading the women's pack. Sage Serrano came in at fifth with a time of 17:17.1, also a personal best for the Obie. Ella Wozek (17:33.2) and Camila Ciembroniewicz (18:01.3) rounded out the top 15 runners at 8^th and 15^th, respectively. Solana Pearl (18:49.2) and Samantha Soto (19:08.5) made their debuts for the Yeowomen, before Charlotte Purcell (19:31.1) capped off an incredible day on the course. All seven runners for Oberlin recorded career bests in the 4k race.
 
On the men's side, Johnny Ragsdale's four-mile time of 22:16.4 earned him a bronze finish, on top of a personal record. Danny Markey (23:06.6) and newcomer Daniel Beyda (23:07.4) rounded out the top ten with ninth and tenth, while Jonah Barber (23:18.1) followed shortly after in 13^th. With a time of 23:38.2, Will Gordon made his way into 16^th before Grant Hirsch (24:50.1) and Jesse Herdman (24:54.0) crossed the finish line. Liam Hogan finished at 25:42.9, with Greydan Villano bringing the record-setting meet to a close at 26:46.9.
 
The Crimson and Gold will be back in action next week on Saturday, September 7, when they head to Shelbyville, IN for the NCAA Regional Preview at the Blue River Cross Country Course.
 
Fans can watch all the home matches live online. Home contests can be accessed on a TV through the official Oberlin College Sports Network app on Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.