EAST LANSING, Mich. – Rutgers cross country traveled to East Lansing, Michigan for the Spartan Invite/B1G Preview at the Forest Akers East Golf Course on Friday morning. The men's field featured five Big Ten teams for the 8K race, while the women's side included seven conference members for the 6K race.  
 
"Our objectives were to learn, get comfortable with the course and compete. Both of which were accomplished," said Nicol Starkes, associate head coach. "On the men's side, we were missing a few of the top guys but Micah has continued to step up and led the team with a new 8K personal best. The guys that competed today were able to close up some gaps which is a step in the right direction.
 
"On the women's side, Kelseigh and Lorena finished within a second of each other to lead the team ahead of Purdue. Our ladies continue to work on closing up gaps which will pay off as we get further into the season."
 
Micah Lawson was the top finisher on the men's side for the second straight races, leading the group with a time of 24:29.6 to place 26th overall. He was followed by Liam Tilton in 37th place with a time of 24:43.6. Maan Patel rounded out the scoring for the Scarlet Knights (42nd, 24:51.6) along with Zeb Hinker (52nd, 25:03.1) and Stephen Kyvelos (59th, 25:07.4).
 
Kelseigh O'Neil posted a top-20 finish as she placed 19th in 21:04.0, while Lorena David placed within a second of her time to take 21st in 21:04.8. Carly Nicholson finished 69th in 22:08.7, followed by Maeli Gleason (99th, 22:42.7) and Paige Boyce (120th, 22:59.5).
 
"We're looking forward to a great training block over the next three weeks since we won't be back on the course until October to preview the Regionals course at Lehigh," said Starkes. "Coach Westley and I are very optimistic about what both teams can accomplish this season."
 
Rutgers will take part in the Paul Short Run on Friday, Oct. 3 at Lehigh. The Goodman Campus course is also the site for the 2025 NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional in November.
 
Team Scores
Men's Results – 8K
7. Rutgers (165)
26. Micah Lawson – 24:29.6
37. Liam Tilton – 24:43.6
42. Maan Patel – 24:51.6
52. Zeb Hinker – 25:03.1
59. Stephen Kyvelos – 25:07.4
 
Women's Results – 6K
8. Rutgers (220)
19. Kelseigh O'Neil – 21:04.0
21. Lorena David – 21:04.8
69. Carly Nicholson – 22:08.7
99. Maeli Gleason – 22:42.7
120. Paige Boyce – 22:59.5