FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Arizona cross country teams opened their 2025 season with strong performances at the George Kyte Classic on Saturday. The Wildcat men secured a runner-up finish in the team standings, trailing only Northern Arizona while beating in-state rival Arizona State, Grand Canyon, Utah Tech, and several additional programs.
In his collegiate debut, Arizona’s top men’s finisher Bryson Neilsen placed seventh overall in 22:58.5. He was followed closely by Michael Urbanski in 12th (23:16.4) and Cooper Quigley in 13th (23:27.8). Max Liao added a 22nd-place finish (23:56.6) and Mateo Pimienta placed 25th (24:05.2) to complete the scoring lineup. Freshman Kai Espinosa Golinskialso made his collegiate debut, clocking 24:28.4 for 30th.
On the women’s side, the Wildcats earned a third-place team result, finishing behind Northern Arizona and Utah Tech but ahead of Arizona State, Grand Canyon, and other regional foes.
Brooklyn Hanania led the way in sixth with a time of 15:49.9, followed by Laina Friedmann in ninth (15:55.5) and Amelia North in 12th (16:08.3). Kayla Lark (23rd, 16:39.8) and Kara Mickelson (31st, 17:05.8) rounded out the scoring five. Freshmen Hailey Puklin (37th, 17:38.5) and Eleanor Korten Kamp (40th, 18:21.5) also made their collegiate debuts.
Arizona Men’s Results
7. Bryson Neilsen – 22:58.5
12. Michael Urbanski – 23:16.4
13. Cooper Quigley – 23:27.8
22. Max Liao – 23:56.6
25. Mateo Pimienta – 24:05.2
30. Kai Espinosa Golinski – 24:28.4
Arizona Women’s Results
6. Brooklyn Hanania – 15:49.9
9. Laina Friedmann – 15:55.5
12. Amelia North – 16:08.3
23. Kayla Lark – 16:39.8
31. Kara Mickelson – 17:05.8
37. Hailey Puklin – 17:38.5
40. Eleanor Korten Kamp – 18:21.5
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