BOLIVAR, Mo. – The Drury men's and women's cross country programs opened their 2025 seasons, finishing sixth and fourth at the Bearcat Invite in Bolivar, Mo. 
 
The men kick-started their 2025 season with a sixth place finish. Ethan Haynes was the frontrunner for the Panthers, finishing 10^th with a time of 19:59.03. Juniors Trent Patterson and Taylor Harris round out Drury's top three spots, placing 26^th and 39^th with times of 20:29.99 and 20:55.16. 
 
The women start the 2025 season with a fourth place finish. Cera Eckenroth led the Panthers, finishing sixth with a time of 18:13.28. Georgi Carolus and Jasmyn Douglas placed 20^th and 23^rd with times of 19:22.60 and 19:25.75 to finish in Drury's top three.
 
Tyler Harris (unattached) overtook second place Jaden Deaton from Missouri Southern on the final stretch to win the men's race with a time of 19:24.86. On the women's side, Vivian Kiprono from Crowder led the entire race to finish in first with a time of 17:51.04.
 
HIGHLIGHTS

• Ethan Haynes improved his time from last year's Bearcat Invite, going from 20:36.38 to 19:59.03.
• Four freshmen featured for the men's team.
• The women's team placed fourth back-to-back years.
• Three freshmen competed for the women's team.

 
QUOTABLE
"The women ran really well today", head coach Luke Karamitros stated. "They battled strongly through some uncomfortable moments to earn a great result. It was amazing to see Cera run at the front for us after dealing with injuries last season. Proud of the men as well, Ethan Haynes is going to be crucial for us, as a leader and especially as we get to longer distances."
 
UP NEXT
Drury will return to action Saturday, Sept. 13 with a 9 a.m. contest at the Queen City Classic, hosted by Missouri State in Springfield, Mo.
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