Colfax, Wash -  The UI cross country teams continued their 2024 season on Friday night with the WSU Cougar Classic at the Colfax Golf Course. Both teams competed in packed fields with the women's team racing to a sixth-placed finish, one spot behind Big Sky rivals Eastern Washington, and the men's team placing seventh, ahead of fellow Big Sky member Montana. 

The women's race was contested over 6 kilometers, with the Vandals led by sophomore Constanze Paoli, running a 6K PR of 21:18.7 and placing in 19th. Freshman Pia Kircher followed ten spots behind, finishing in 21:43.3, with fellow freshman Jesse Redding close behind in 32nd finishing with a time of 21:45.3. Sophomore McKenna Kozeluh and junior Abigail Thomas rounded out the scoring for the Vandals, with times of 22:24.3 and 22:35.2. 

Graduate student Sam Fulbright led the way again for the Vandals, this time in the 8K, with a PR of 24:25.7 and a 19th placed finish. Senior Shane Gard was the second fastest Vandal on the night, placing 36th in a personal best 24:40.7. Miles Ferguson and Shea Mattson were the third and fourth Vandals to cross the line. Ferguson ran a personal best 24:55.9 with Mattson running a 24:58.7. Senior Gage Zanette ran a 25:05.9 to close out the scoring for Idaho. 

The 2024 Vandal cross country season keeps rolling in Eugene, Oregon at the Bill Dellinger Invite on October 11th. 

Stay up to date with the Vandals by following Idaho Track and Field/Cross Country on X and Instagram @IdahoTrack.