COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The App State men's and women's cross-country teams put on their best performance of the year on Friday, breaking a school record while both teams ran season-best times.
Noah Martinson has been the staple of the men's team this year as he led the Mountaineers to a second-place finish in a crowded field of 38 teams. App State finished first out of all Division I schools, behind only Adams State. They earned "Power Four" victories over Texas A&M, Arizona State, Ohio State, TCU, Texas and Baylor.
Martinson snagged an 11th-place finish with a time of 23:17.4, the fastest in school history by nearly 30 seconds. He was followed closely by Thomas Wlazlowski, whose time of 23:39.2 would have also broken the school record.
"The guys raced well today against some quality teams," men's distance coach Brad Herbster said. "Being the first Division I team at the meet is important, and beating some teams who can qualify for nationals is good for the group. Having Rowan and Henry back is awesome for this group."
Rowan Gwin (23:49.0), Henry Stark (23:52.1) and Ethan Stovall (23:56.30) rounded out the top five. Gwin places for the second time in as many meets, Stovall places for the second time since becoming a Mountaineer, while Stark places top five in his first meet this season. All five Mountaineers claimed spots in the top 50.
Josie Jackson had a career day as she was the first Mountaineer to cross the finish line in the 6K. Her time of 21:12.2 improves her personal best by nearly 30 seconds and catapults her into sixth in App State history.
"All of the athletes ran season bests, and many had personal bests as well. Josie had an impressive race today, and her time is now top six in App State history for the 6K," women's distance coach Annie Richards said. Following closely behind Jackson was Baylor Wolfe (21:34.4) and Tessa Massa (21:38.3).
"The women moved up well throughout the race and finished ahead of a few key teams. Baylor and Tessa were right behind Josie as frontrunners for the team." Richards added. Rounding out the top five was Ashby Williams (21:46.6) and Breanna Budzinski (21:52.2). Jackson, Massa, Budzinski, and Williams have earned points in all four meets this season.
Up Next
The Mountaineers will prepare for the Sun Belt Championships in Foley, Ala. in two weeks on Friday, Oct. 30. The men will be looking for their fourth straight Sun Belt Cross Country Championship while the women will be looking for their third straight.
