LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Arizona Cross Country opens the 2024 season on Saturday with the NMSU Lori Fitzgerald Open hosted by New Mexico State at the NMSU Golf Course.
 
The competition begins at 6:30 a.m. MST on Saturday with the women's 5k which will be followed by the men's 5k at 7:00 a.m. MST. Live results for both races can be found here.
 
"We are excited to open our season in Las Cruces for the NMSU Lori Fitzgerald Open," said Head Coach Bernard Lagat. "I'm excited that our XC team is comprised of five newcomers and five members from women's triathlon this year. The upperclassmen are returning with renewed goals as we begin our first season in the Big 12 Conference."
 
"Keep your eyes out for our sophomore, Michael Urbanski, and freshman, Laina Friedmann," said Coach Lagat. "Their summer training has gone very well, and they are ready for a big year. The plan is for our team to run tightly together and be able to score some big points. I expect a few of our athletes to lower their personal bests this weekend and score well in the team standings."
 
The Wildcats return five runners who competed at last year's NCAA Western Regionals: Alisa Lyesina, Sage Patzer, Cooper Quigley, Ian Sanchez Lopez, and Michael Urbanski. On the men's side, Sanchez Lopez and Quigley combined to finish first for the team at four of their six competitions last season. For the women, Lyesina was consistently the team's second-best runner. Other returners for the Wildcats include Kara Mickelson, Noah Ray, Cade Russo, and Ayden Schilb.
 
The Wildcats welcome five total newcomers this season. The women's team adds a trio of freshmen: Laina Friedmann from Smithtown, N.Y., Brooklyn Hanania from Phoenix, Ariz., and Eleanor Korten Kamp from Oro Valley, Ariz. Joining the men's side is transfer Gideon Mengich from Stephen F. Austin and Eldoret, Kenya and freshman Mateo Pimienta from Tucson, Ariz.
 
Similar to last year, the cross country team and triathlon team will be collaborating throughout the season with members of the women's triathlon team also competing for the women's cross country team. Potential runners include Sara Crociani, Laura Holánszky, Molly Lakustiak, Ruth Pardy, Lydia Russell, Mia Wentzy, Kelly Lyn Wetteland, and Ellison Wolfe.
 
This opener kicks off the team's inaugural season in the Big 12. They will have four total regular season meets including their home meet, the Dave Murray Invitational on Sep. 28. After the regular season, the team will take on the Big 12 Championships, NCAA Western Regional Championships, and NCAA Championships.
 
A meet recap will be posted here detailing the competition results. Live updates will also be posted to @ArizonaTrack on X.
 
RUNNERS
MEN
Gideon Mengich, Cooper Quigley, Noah Ray, Cade Russo, Ian Sanchez Lopez, Ayden Schilb, Michael Urbanski
 
WOMEN
Sara Crociani, Laina Friedmann, Brooklyn Hanania, Molly Lakustiak, Alisa Lyesina, Kara Mickelson, Ruth Pardy, Mia Wentzy, Ellison Wolfe
 
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