Seawolves XC shines in season opener

Fairbanks, Alaska - Ben Browning won the men's race and Natalie Allen was second in the women's race to lead the UAA cross country teams at the Blue and Gold Race Saturday.

"Really great races out of both teams today," said head coach Ryan McWilliams. "Great to get the season officially started. We have a confident group of athletes, and we are looking forward to putting in the work this season to be at our best when it counts. Really proud of the effort the Seawolves put out on the course today."

Browning covered the eight-kilometer course in 25:34 to lead a Seawolf squad that swept the top-10 spots in the men's race.

Ben Peck was second (25:22), Ewen Wilkinson third (25:55), Sam Griffin fourth (26:23) and Nathan Russell fifth (26:36).

The UAA men won the team battle over UAF 15-50.

Allen finished the six-kilometer course in 22:36, 12 seconds behind Tabitha Williams on UAF.

Makendra McCarty was third (23:43), and Nikiji Dayse was fourth (23:46).

Gloria Kiprotich placed sixth (23:59), Avery Williamson seventh (24:12), Juniper Ingalls eighth (24:13) and Gracie Puit 12th (24:49).

The UAA women defeated UAF 22-36.

The teams will have a rematch in Anchorage at the Seawolf Throwdown Sept. 12.