DAYTON, Ohio – The Malone University cross country team started their 2025 season on Friday at Wright State University for the Mike Baumer Cross Country Classic.
 
Both the men and women ran the 5k and placed sixth overall in a field filled with NCAA Division I programs, including Ohio State University and 15th-ranked Butler University (men). The men's race saw Bulter cruise to victory and the Buckeye women took home the team trophy handily.
 
Top runner for the Pioneers on the men's side was senior Hayden Schmidt in 20th with a time of 15:03.1. Behind him were juniors Xander Heil in 31st (15:91.2) and Alex Hill in 36th (15:23.4). Freshman Zavier Medina finished in the top five for Malone with a time of 15:30.4. Sophomore Yahya Jawadi finished 49th overall and a personal record in the 5k race (15:35.7).
 
On the women's side, the top runner was senior Kristin Yeager finishing 18th overall and 17th as a collegiate athlete (18:32.2). In 28th place was senior Jenna Cassidy who ran an 18:56.5. Senior Rebekah Stoneman ran a personal record 19:18.5 and finished 42nd. Finishing in 56th and 57th were junior Rachel Whetstone (19:41.2) and freshman Olivia Szmania (19:46.7).
 
Next, the Pioneers travel to Cedarville, Ohio for the All-Ohio Intercollegiate Classic at Cedarville University. Races will start at 6:00 P.M. on Friday, September 19.