PRINCETON, N.J. – Rutgers cross country returned to the course, opening the 2025 season on Friday, Sept. 5 at the Jersey Jam on the campus of Princeton University. The men's squad placed second overall in the team standings with five top-20 individual finishers.
The five-team field included host Princeton, Monmouth, Penn and Rider. On the women's side, the Scarlet Knights placed fourth in the team standings, including a top-three individual finish.
"I thought this was a solid opener for both our men and women," said
Nicol Starkes, associate head coach. "It's very clear they all put in a great summer of training. On the men's side, Micah was the top collegiate finisher and fourth place overall which shows he's ready to have a big season. For the women, Kelseigh picked up right where she left off in the outdoor season leading the team with a third place overall. We're proud of how both sides got out there and competed. We're looking forward to previewing the Big Ten course next week in East Lansing."
Micah Lawson placed fourth overall to lead the Scarlet Knights with a time of 17:02.6, which was eight second off the lead. Behind Lawson was a pack of runners for RU who each scored and placed in the top-15 overall.
Liam Tilton finished 11th in 17:17.1, followed by
Lucas Reguinho (13th/17:25.4),
Zeb Hinker (14th/17:28.6) and
Maan Patel (15th/17:30.6).
The women's team was led by
Kelseigh O'Neil who finished third overall with a time of 14:08.4.
Lorena David was next for the Scarlet Knights as she placed 10th in 14:16.0, followed by
Carly Nicholson in 14:38.7 (20th),
Paige Boyce in 15:07.3 (26th) and
Cassidy Kidd in 15:08.4 (27th).
Rutgers will travel to East Lansing, Michigan for the Big Ten Preview on Friday, September 12. The race will be hosted at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course, which will serve as the site of the 2025 Big Ten Championships.
Team Scores
Men's Results – 5.8K
2. Rutgers (39)
4.
Micah Lawson – 17:02.6
11.
Liam Tilton – 17:17.1
13.
Lucas Reguinho – 17:25.4
14.
Zeb Hinker – 17:28.6
15.
Maan Patel – 17:30.6
Women's Results – 4.1K
4. Rutgers (80)
3.
Kelseigh O'Neil – 14:08.4
10.
Lorena David – 14:16.0
20.
Carly Nicholson – 14:38.7
26.
Paige Boyce – 15:07.3
27.
Cassidy Kidd – 15:08.4
