MEN'S RESULTS | WOMEN'S RESULTS

LEWISTON, Idaho – Using an abundance of caution, the Idaho cross country teams competed for the first time in the 2020-21 season on Thursday morning.

A small group of runners from Idaho and Montana State competed against each other at the LCSC Cross Country Trail in Lewiston.

"There were quite a few people involved to make this happen. I would really like to thank Terry Gawlik, Chris Walsh, and Dr. Christensen for their work in making this happen. I'd also like to thank Public Health and LCSC's Administration for helping make this possible," said Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Tim Cawley. "And finally, I'd like to thank my staff, especially meet director Cathleen Cawley, for all their hard work."

Prior to the race, all competitors had negative PCR test results, and all racers wore masks until just prior to the gun and were required to put on masks immediately upon finishing. In addition, any one not racing was required to be masked and no spectators were allowed on the course.  The starting boxes were distanced from each other, keeping the runners separated for the first 100-meters of the race. Separate finish chutes were also utilized. The Vandals also were sure to social distance themselves on the bus ride to the course.

Malaina Thacker took third to lead the way for the Vandal women. She finished in 17:04.26. Nathalia Campos was fifth in a time of 17:23.49. Nell Baker, Maya Kobylanski and Jolene Whiteley were seventh, eighth, and ninth respectively. Kobylanski and Whiteley were making their Vandal debuts. Leah Holmgren, Elise Abbott, and Mia Hill were all running for the Silver and Gold for the first time as well.

Overall, Bobcat Camila Noe took first in the women's 5k race. She won in 16:26.79, leading Montana State to a 23-32 victory over the Vandals.

On the men's side Gabriel Dinnel was the top finisher for Idaho. He placed sixth in 24:54.01.  Tim Stevens was seventh (25:09.14) and Lorenz Herrmann took eighth in his first collegiate race (25:19.33). Caleb Seely and Ben Shaw were 10th and 11th, respectively. Shea Mattson, running in his first race for the Silver and Gold was 12th, while Timo Dohm took 13th, and Sam Fulbright, also making his Vandal debut, was 14th.

Collin Buck of Montana State won the men's 8k race with a time of 23.29.80. Montana State finished with 15 points, while the Vandals had 42.  

"It was exciting for us to get out there and race, and we're very thankful to have the chance," said Cawley. "Obviously it was about the competition, but today was especially about the opportunity to have a smooth and fun race."