Mitchell Opens Cross Country Career with Top 10 Finish

BLACKSBURG, Va.– Jessica Mitchell shined in her first career race for the University of Miami cross country program, finishing seventh in the women’s 6K at the Virginia Tech Alumni Invitational. 
 
The freshman recorded a dominant performance for the Canes with a top 10 finish with her time of 21:20.8 and helped Miami finish fourth, overall. Sophomore standout, Ryley Howard, was next to cross the finish line, finishing 17th with her time of 22:26.4, averaging a six-minute mile. It was the first time Howard has a ran a 6K for the Canes. 
 
Emma Langlois was next for the Canes, finishing with a time of 23:45.2, nearly 17 seconds faster than last season’s best time. Lauren Schiffenhaus and Alison Johnson rounded out the women’s side, finishing with times of 25:08.4 and 28:35.3. 
 
Senior Dylan Sykes was the top finisher for the men’s, running the 8K in 26:16.5 minutes and averaging a solid 5:17.2 mile. Freshman Andrew Madden was next for the Canes, completing the race at 26:35.7. Dillon Fields, Matthew Wiefels, Justin Rittenhouse and Jared Lee were the final Canes to complete the race, aiding the Canes in a sixth-place finish. 
 
There’s plenty to look forward to for this young Canes squad after competing in just two races this season. Distance coach Cody Halsey was pleased with what she saw from her team and is ready to challenge them in their upcoming events. 
 
“I think this was a really great starting point for us,” Halsey said. “For most of these athletes, this was the first time they’ve even ran that distance. I think they understand we have some work to do, but they are ready to put in the work and are up for this challenge.” 
 
Miami will travel to Tallahassee on Oct. 11 for the FSU Invitational before returning to Blacksburg in November for ACCs.