BOONE, N.C. - The Gardner-Webb cross country team opened its 2025 season at Appalachian State on Friday afternoon, taking part in the Covered Bridge Invitational and posting a string of solid results

MEN'S 6k RACE
In the men's race and in his first race as a Runnin' Bulldog, freshman Brendan Athy led the way. The Holly Springs, N.C. native completed the 6k in 20:21, taking 40th place overall among the full field of competitors. Just behind was Kaden Pratt for GWU in 41st place overall, with a time of 20:25. Other competitors for Gardner-Webb in the men's 6k race include senior John Marsh who finished with a time of 23 minutes flat, sophomore Cade Bright who crossed the line in 23:07, and freshman Blaine Blose who did so in 32:24

WOMEN'S 5k RACE
In the women's 5k race, senior Jessica Perriello helped pace the field in her first meet for the Runnin' Bulldogs this season after qualifying for last fall's NCAA Regionals. Perriello crossed the line in 28th with a time of 18:28. Sophomore Megan Devanny finished in 36th place with a time of 18:50, followed in 39th overall by freshman Maggie Dirks who posted a time of 18:56 in her Gardner-Webb debut. Other finishers for Gardner-Webb include sophomore Emily Leatherman in 20:29, sophomore Claire Bauer in 20:53 and freshman Alexis Plaster in 21:08

MEN'S 6k RESULTS
Brendan Athy - 20:21.6
Kaden Pratt - 20:25.7
John Marsh - 23:00.6
Cade Bright - 23:07.5
Blaine Blose - 32:24.2

WOMEN'S 5k RESULTS
Jessica Perriello - 18:28.8
Megan Devanny - 18:50.9
Maggie Dirks - 18:56.4
Emily Leatherman - 20:29.3
Claire Bauer - 20:53.5
Alexis Plaster - 21:08.9

UP NEXT
The Runnin' Bulldogs are back in action on September 13th, visiting Greenville, S.C. for the Furman Invitational. The women's race will begin at 9:00 am while the men's race is scheduled for 9:45 am around the Furman University Golf Course