Gambier, Ohio- The Denison men's cross country team kicked off its 2025 season with a third-place finish at the Port Kenyon Opener. The Big Red finished just two points shy of second place, after recording a team score of 59. Host Kenyon College finished in first with a point total of 18, followed by Oberlin College with 57.

Pacing the Big Red was first-year Will Jackson, who in his debut race ran the 6k course in 19:37.2 for fifth place. Just behind Jackson was senior Noah Cyr, who finished seventh with a time of 19:54.7.

Four more Denisonians broke into the top 25 runners to help propel the Big Red to a third-place finish. Coming in 19th was first-year Sebastian Klimchak (20:30.8), followed by sophomore Phinnigan Spindler (20th, 20:36.3). Rounding out Denison's top six finishers were sophomore Jack Evans (24th, 20:49.0) and first-year William Fontana (25th, 20:53.4).

Up Next for the Big Red

The Big Red have a two-week break and then hit the road on Saturday, Sept. 13, to compete in Westerville, Ohio, for the Otterbein Invite.