CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Highlighted by an individual win from Justin Wachtel, the Virginia men’s and women’s cross country teams swept their opening races at Panorama Farms on Friday morning (Sept. 16) as the teams got their first taste of a course that will host the ACC Championships this season.

The Virginia men went 1-2-3-4 as Wachtel led the pack with his time of 17:43.6 helping secure his first collegiate cross country victory. Yasin Sado placed second in his return to action as he recorded a time of 17:44.3. Rohann Asfaw and Wes Porter followed in the third and fourth places respectively. Rounding out the scoring positions were Jacob Hunter, Jack Eliason and Nick Karayanis who helped Virginia to its first team victory of the season with just 21 points accumulated.

Margot Appleton picked up right where she left off following the season opener as she once again led the Virginia women. Appleton crossed the finish line in second place with her 5k time of 17:10.4 followed closely by Camryn Menninger in third place at 15:15.0. Anna Workman and Esther Seeland assured that Virginia placed four runners in the top-seven as they finished fifth and seventh respectively. The Cavaliers secured the team victory with 30 points.

From Director of Track and Cross Country, Vin Lananna

“It was good, and it was basically an opener. We have some things we have to work on, but I think for the most part, both teams did a good job and accomplished what they set out to do. It’s always good to have a win at home, and it was good for everyone to see the course. I’m glad that people came out to watch it, and we’ll be ready to go in Boston next weekend.”

Virginia Invitational
Panorama Farms
Earlysville, Va.

Women’s Team Results (5k)

  1. Virginia (30)
  2. Duke (34)
  3. Miami (70)
  4. Pittsburgh (102)
  5. Norfolk State (146)

Men’s Team Results (6k) 

  1. Virginia (21)
  2. Duke (39)
  3. Pitt (74)
  4. Miami (120)

Norfolk State (NTS)