The BJU men’s and women’s cross country teams ran their inaugural race on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Furman Cross Country Classic.

The women began their 6K run around the scenic Furman University campus at 8:30 a.m. Senior Abby Stanley, the first Bruin in university history to finish a cross country event, came in 39th with a time of 25:13. Half a minute later, senior Meg Phillipo completed the 6K and placed 50th. Junior Abi Dickinson and sister Emily, a senior, finished in 68th and 72nd, respectively.

The women ended up taking 10th place in their debut performance, a good showing in an event that included many big-name NCAA DI and DII schools.

The men’s team participated in the 8K race shortly after the women finished. Placing 33rd with a time of 26:43, senior Aaron Iles was the first Bruin to finish. Freshman Josh Rush and sophomore Daniel Marinelli contributed to the Bruins’ strong debut, finishing 71st and 73rd. The Bruins men finished 9th in their division.

“It was pretty exciting competing against these big schools,” freshman William Peek said. “As a whole, I think we did as well as we were expecting to do. We’re where we want to be at the moment. There were 30 or so schools there, so to end up where we did is pretty incredible, especially for our first meet. I’m really proud of the team.”

Both teams finished in the middle of the pack and show promise for the rest of the season, which continues at the Columbia Invitational this weekend.