The Bryan College Cross Country teams kicked off their 2025 season at the Mountainside Stride with strong performances and plenty of promise for the year ahead.

On the men's side, the Lions debuted an all-freshman squad with one transfer, led by Justus Murray and Tayven Guthrie. "The men had a great debut. We're young, but today showed the potential we have and the growth we can make this season. Our one through six guys are really close together, and that depth will be something we can rely on moving forward," said Head Coach Jasper Wilson. The men's squad secured third place, finishing behind Covenant College and the University of the South.

The women's team delivered a standout performance highlighted by Carissa Wilson's first career cross country win—improving from 16th at the same meet last year. Emily Cathey closed hard to take 3rd overall and top freshman honors, while freshman Emmaleigh Noles finished in the top 15. "Carissa's win was special and the first for Bryan in quite some time. Emily showed her toughness to earn 3rd and top freshman, and Emmaleigh added great depth. This group is close-knit and will only get stronger as the year goes on," Wilson said. The Women's team also had a third place finish behind University of the South and Covenant College.

Women's Results:
Carissa Wilson led the Lady Lions with a time of 23:48.6, securing the first place finish.
Emily Cathey made her Bryan College debut placing third with a time of 24:57.1.
Emmaleigh Noles also made her Bryan College debut with a 13th place finish, running with a time of 26:27.4.
Aubrey Groves (40th, 34:18.6) and Kennedy Groves (45th, 47:05.7) rounded up the women's line up.

Men's Results:
Justus Murray (8th, 20:28:3) and Tayven Guthrie (9th, 20:28.9) led the men's team for a Top 15 finish.
Jayden Bowman (16th, 20:55.8) and Bryce Dye (17th, 21:02.2) finished in the Top 20 for the Lions.
Bobby Beierling (22nd, 21:16.1) and Isaac Hickey (29th, 21:26.1) had a Top 30 finish.
Markel Harris (44th, 23:04.7) rounded out the Lions line up.

The Lions now shift into a key training phase as they prepare for the Brevard XC Classic on September 19th.