Wheeling, W.Va. – The University of Charleston men's cross country team delivered a dominant performance to claim the 2025 Mountain East Conference Championship, while the women's squad battled to a strong third-place finish on one of the most challenging courses in the country.
The Basics:
Location: Wheeling, WV (Crispin Golf Course – Oglebay Park)
Score: M–1st (27 pts), W–3rd (103 pts)
How It Happened:
The Crispin Golf Course at Oglebay Park proved to be one of the most difficult and challenging courses in the country, but both Golden Eagle squads handled the hills and twists with grit and efficient running.
The women's race started at 9:30 a.m. in crisp, cool temperatures. Amanda Ferrante led the Golden Eagles with a strong 6th-place finish, earning First Team All-Conference honors. She was followed by teammate Bethany Wallis in 14th, securing a spot on the Second Team All-Conference list. Sophomore Abbey Bolton ran a determined race to finish 24th, just outside the top 20, while Charleston's 4–5 runners continued their tradition of pack running. Hallie Simmons and Ava Lightfritz crossed the line side by side in 28th and 29th, giving the Golden Eagles all five scorers inside the top 30 and securing their third-place team finish.
The men's team followed with a statement race that will be remembered in program history. Hugo Hewitt claimed the individual title and was named MEC Runner of the Year after leading from the front. Right behind him, Thomas Crockett who transferred in mid-season proved to be a major addition to the roster, finishing second and boosting the team's confidence as a true front-running group. Freshman Harry Witt crossed in third and was named MEC Freshman of the Year after an incredible debut season. Going 1–2–3 alone would have been a statement, but the Golden Eagles weren't done yet. Jules Geffroy-Remot closed hard over the final stretch, passing several competitors in the last half mile to secure fourth place and complete a 1–4 sweep for Charleston.
Caleb Gilbert rounded out UC's scoring five with a gutsy 17th-place finish. Despite developing a painful blister on the bottom of his foot early in the race, Gilbert pushed through the hilly and winding course to earn Second Team All-Conference honors and cap off the Golden Eagles' dominant team effort.
Up Next:
The Golden eagles look to take their confidence and and fitness to the NCAA Atlantic Regional meet in Lock Haven, PA. The Competition is set for Nov 8th, 10:30 AM start time.
