WSU Open Begins Cross Country Season

Friday, August 30

Colfax, WA

All Day

Washington State University

WSU Open

August 30, 2019 | Cross Country

Josie Brown, and Amir Ado take top spots in respective races.

By: Athletic Communications

COLFAX, Wash. – The Washington State Cross Country program hosted the 2019 WSU Open Friday evening, as Josie Brown and Amir Ado each crossed the finish line first in their respective races.

WSU WOMEN
The top finisher for Washington State was senior Josie Brown, who claimed the top spot in the WSU Open with a time of 14:01.30 in the 4k race. Sophomore Zorana Grujic would cross the finish line next in this competition at the Colfax Golf Club, with a time of 14:11.70. Placing third with a time of 14.14.10 was senior Marie Gaudin, and following shortly after would be junior Kiyena Beatty at 14:21.60. Rounding out the top five of tonight's race was senior Desi Stinger at 14.28.40 overall.

The Washington State women's squad now will look towards the West Region Preview next, as the Cougars are prepped to improve upon their current No. 15 West Regional ranking.

WSU MEN
Leading the way for the Cougars was sophomore Amir Ado with a solid run of 17:45.20 overall in the 6k race. Following close behind Ado was senior Justin Janke who recorded a time of 17:52.80. Matthew Watkins took third overall with a time of 18:04.70, and Zach Stallings recorded a fourth place finish at 18:16.00. The top five from the WSU Open on the men's side was rounded out by senior Colton Johnsen, who produced a time of 18:31.80 during the evening.

WSU will look to make an impact in two weeks at the West Region Preview, with the Cougars currently ranked ninth overall in the West Region by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCA).

WSU WOMEN'S RACE RESULTS
1. Josie Brown – 14:01.30
2. Zorana Grujic – 14:11.70
3. Marie Gaudin – 14:14.10
4. Kiyena Beatty – 14:21.60
5. Desi Stinger – 14:28.40
6. Melissa Hruska – 14:31.00
8. Natalie Ackerley – 14:51.40
9. Jelena Grujic – 15:01.50
10. Kaili Keefe – 15:16.30
11. Janet Okeago – 15:21.30
12. Samantha Boyle – 15:39.60

WSU MEN'S RACE RESULTS
1. Amir Ado – 17:45.20
2. Justin Janke – 17:52.80
3. Matthew Watkins – 18:04.70
4. Zach Stallings – 18:22.9
5. Colton Johnsen – 18:31.80
8. Nate Pendleton – 19:00.30
9. Sam Griffith – 19:01.30
12. Zak Kindl – 19:53.20
14. Amrit Banga – 21:01.90
DNF – Jacob Nicholson

INTO THE TWITTER-VERSE

First race of the year for @WSUCougarXCTF. Women's and Men's XC teams are both looking fast. Looking forward to a great season! #GoCougs #CVE pic.twitter.com/U2Xc2gkavI
— Pat Chun (@pat_chun) August 31, 2019

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Washington State Cross Country returns to Colfax, Wash., Friday, September 13 as WSU will host the West Region Preview at the Colfax Golf Club with the women's race set to begin at 5:15 p.m., and the men's at 5:45 p.m.