MEADVILLE, Pa. – The IUP cross country teams competed in the Allegheny Classic on Saturday, marking their first 6K and 8K races of the season. The men's team finished seventh, while the women placed fourth.

Augustin Ruiz Lopez led the men, placing 22nd individually out of 186 runners. Junior Owen Sparks also had a strong performance, recording a personal-best 8K time of 28:57.

On the women's side, senior Stella Kuntz finished in the top 20 with a time of 25:37 in the 6K. Junior Abby Douglas also placed in the top 25 out of 158 runners.

The meet was a new challenge for IUP's freshmen, as it was the longest course of their collegiate careers. The Hawks rose to the occasion, with all athletes setting personal records or season bests.