CARROLLTON, Ga. – The University of West Georgia men's and women's cross country teams are set to open their 2025 campaign on Friday, August 29, at the Jacksonville State Foothills Invitational in Oxford, Alabama. This marks the Wolves' second year competing at the Division I level, and Head Coach
Ryan Bailey believes both teams are in a strong position heading into the season.
"We're in a considerably better spot than we were at this time last year," Bailey said. "Not only are we deeper, but I think we're in a better place now than we were at the end of last season."
The Wolves return a veteran core while welcoming several new faces. Junior Kristal McQueen, who placed 13th at last year's Foothills Invitational with a time of 19:03.37, will lead the women's team. She'll be joined by seniors Linda Vasquez, Madeline Gaskin, Catherine Greer, and Kathrin Maurer, bringing valuable experience and leadership to the roster.
Coach Bailey is eager to see immediate contributions from transfers Reatta Danhof and Linda Rivero (Pima College), while freshmen Abbie Forbus and Camille Moses are set to make their collegiate debuts.
On the men's side, UWG holds a good balance of experience and young talent. Graduate student Griffin Stephens, who placed eighth at last year's Foothills Invitational with a time of 15:33.41, returns for his final season as a consistent leader. Senior Felipe Barrios is back after an extended absence and joins Bruno Valdez to help lead the team.
Sophomores Solomon Johnson and Abenezer Woellore will look to build on their strong first years, while local freshman Alex Njoroge, from Villa Rica, is set to make his collegiate debut.
"Griffin has been a consistent leader, and I'm excited to see him race in his final season." Bailey said. Felipe's return and Alex's debut give the Wolves a lot to look forward to this year.
The Wolves open their season Friday evening at Choccolocco Park, with the meet set to begin at 7:15 p.m.
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