BOONE, N.C. – The College of Charleston men's and women's cross country teams open the 2025 season in Boone, N.C. this weekend for the Covered Bridge Invitational. Races begin with the women's 5k at 9:15 and the men's 6k at 9:45. 

This is the first of four regular season meets for the Cougars. Also racing will be App State, Gardner-Webb, Georgia, Roane State, South Carolina, and Tennessee Tech. 

"We look forward to opening our season in Boone on Friday. Historically we competed locally for our opener, but we decided to mix it up this year by taking a trip to the mountains. Our mature and experienced returners have developed a strong team culture and momentum from last year that we hope to continue to build upon." said Bailey. 

Bailey returns 11 men including Ben Ashmore, who finished first for the Cougars in the CAA conference meet last November with an 8k time of 26:58.10. Rob DiMedio finished behind Ashmore with a time of 27:15.80. The men's team finished 7 of 11 teams in the conference meet. Bailey brings five newcomers, Will Buckley, Declan Byrne, Thomas Flaig, Riley Hugues, and Adrian Miller. 

Returning for the women are Caroline Himstreet, Savannah Stoutt, and Cayden Crismon. The trio enters the 2025 season as the top finishers in the conference meet for the Cougars. Charleston women finished 5 of 13 teams in the conference championships. Bailey brings four newcomers, Kiley DeFusco, Lydia Metz, Cara Grace Phillips, and Gail Vaikutis. 

Live Stats are available for this meet here. This will be Charleston's first appearance at the Covered Bridge Invitational. 

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