Cross Country ready to contend during the 2022 season

Cross Country ready to contend during the 2022 season

After unveiling a state-of-the-art cross country course at Moorehead Farm last season, the Muskingum men's and women's cross country teams will look to compete for a top spot in the Ohio Athletic Conference standings this year. The Muskies begin their season on Thursday, September 1, when they host the annual Muskingum Meet.

Muskingum is led by Head Coach Jacob Gleason who is entering his 15th season at the helm of both programs. Along with hosting the Muskingum Meet, the Muskies will also play host to the Muskingum Invitational and the 2022 OAC Cross Country Championships.

The men's team will be led this season by standout-junior Wade Speeth who will look build on a solid 2021 season. Speeth's stellar sophomore campaign was highlighted by a first-place finish at the Muskingum Meet, followed by a runner-up placement at the Muskingum Invitational. Speeth also set a career-low 8K time of 26:39.8 at the NCAA Regionals last season as well.

Also looking to lead the men's squad will be sophomore Max McAdams. McAdams burst onto the scene in his first collegiate season last year, tallying a third-place finish at the Muskingum Meet. McAdams continued to improve as the season progressed, setting a career-low time of 27:48.9 at the NCAA Regionals to finish off his freshman campaign.

Also looking to make an immediate impact this season for the men's squad will be senior Devyn Stout, sophomore Chance Carpenter, sophomore Shane Funk, sophomore David McDonald, freshman Kory Kakaschik, freshman Michael Javorsky, freshman Parker Graf, and freshman Ryan Cummins.

For the women's team, the Muskies will be led by graduate-student Macy McAdams who returns to Muskingum after a dominate four-year career as an undergraduate. McAdams has enjoyed much success during her career including All-OAC honors during the 2018 season.

Along with McAdams, the Muskies will be anchored by a strong freshman class that looks to provide instant results during the 2022 season. Muskingum's freshman include Jillian Ayres, Rylee Bollenbacher, Abigail Derry, Alyssa Heinrichs, Kyra Kiessling, Taylor Metz, and Rosemary Stephens.

In total, the Muskies will host three events at Moorehead Farm this season. Muskingum will also travel to three away meets, including the 2022 NCAA Regionals.