Vanderbilt Cross Country opened its season in Nashville at the Belmont Opener on Friday, Aug. 29. The men’s team finished in fourth place, while the women’s team took first place for the second consecutive year.
Vanderbilt’s men’s team returns several of its top runners this season, including Michael Skora, who won the Belmont Opener in 2024, Brady Bliven and Dylan Ballard. The program also added a few key transfers, including Georgia transfer Luke Churchwell and Tennessee transfer Brody Chapman.
On the women’s side, 2025 USATF U20 5k champion Lily Kriegel returns along with Claire Petersen. Junior Bria Bennis and senior Audrey Allman will look to be the seasoned veterans leading the team this year, while Transfer Tyla Lumley, an all-region honoree and the Missouri Valley Conference runner-up for cross country in 2024, will add depth to the roster.
“This was a good first meet,” director of cross country and track and field Althea Thomas said. “We’ve been together as a team for 10 days, and this was an opportunity to come out here and let some of our younger guys test out what it’s like to run as a team. It was a little strategic for our men and women as we prepare for a very anticipated year.”
The men’s team kicked things off on Friday, as they finished 23rd through 27th. Ballard headlined the team’s performances, running the 5k in a time of 16:07.77. Jackson Scruggs was close behind him with a time of 16:07.87.
Three first-years, Sam Darmanie (16:07.94), Tommy O’Brien (16:08.05) and Finn Richards (16:08.13), each made their collegiate debuts at the Belmont Opener as they look to contribute later this season.
Huyler led the women’s team with a time of 18:13.98, good enough for second overall in the event. Lumley and Mryto Valacha were close behind, ending the race with times of 18:14.11 and 18:14.38, respectively. Johna Grisik also ran a personal-best with a time of 18:57.10 to finish in 12th.
Both teams seemed to treat the event as a tempo run as they ramp up their training ahead of their next event.
“It was a good meet to see those athletes who were running and to see the athletes, coaches and staff out here supporting,” Thomas said. “It’s always great to run at home for our first meet. Even though this isn’t our meet, this is home.”
The Commodores will be back in action at the Gans Creek Classic in Columbia, Missouri, on Friday, Sept. 26.
