NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt cross country opened its 2025 season at the Belmont Opener Friday morning where the men’s team came in fourth place, and the women notched a first-place finish.
“This was a good first meet,” director of cross country and track and field Althea Thomas said. “We’ve been together as a team for 10 days, and this was an opportunity to come out here and let some of our younger guys test out what it’s like to run as a team. It was a little strategic for our men and women as we prepare for a very anticipated year.”
The Commodore men finished 23rd through 27th, led by Dylan Ballard with a time of 16:07.77. Jackson Scruggs was Vandy’s second finisher with a time of 16:07.87. Freshmen Sam Darmanie (16:07.94), Tommy O’Brien (16:08.05) and Finn Richards (16:08.13) made their collegiate debuts at the Belmont Opener.
On the women’s side, Hannah Huyler was the top Vanderbilt and second overall finisher with a time of 18:13.98. Tyla Lumley and Mryto Valacha followed in third and fourth place with respective times of 18:14.11 and 18:14.38. Johna Grisik clocked a personal best 18:57.10 to finish 12th. Mackenzie Culpepper rounded out Vandy’s scoring with a time of 20:01.23 and a 22nd-place finish. This is the second consecutive year that the Commodore women have won this event.
“It was a good meet to see those athletes who were running and to see the athletes, coaches and staff out here supporting. It’s always great to run at home for our first meet. Even though this isn’t our meet, this is home. It’s where we practice. Overall, it was a really good first meet. We’re very content.”
Vanderbilt cross country will be back in action on Friday, Sept. 26 when the Dores compete at the Gans Creek Classic in Columbia, Missouri.