FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Nevada's Men's and Women's Cross Country programs completed their first competition of 2024 Saturday at the George Kyte Classic in Flagstaff, Ariz.

"This was an excellent opener for both squads. We had misfired quite often the past few years, but today, both squads came dialed in. Each team executed their respective race plan to a T," said Nevada Cross Country head coach Kirk Elias.

The 4.5-mile men's race was up first, and the Wolf Pack turned in three top-10 finishes in a field which included the top-ranked team in the country in host Northern Arizona. Among the four Division I schools in the men's field (Nevada, No. 1 Northern Arizona, Grand Canyon, and Arizona State)

Tryon Jardin led the Wolf Pack contingent, coming in eighth in a time of 22:52.2, followed in succession by Daniel Sayo (23:05.7) and Celime Garcia (23:13.8). Jaedyn Chase (23:21.3) and Eddie Yunker (23:27.9) came in 12tha and 13th, respectively, while Austin Key (23:37.9) was 15th, giving the Wolf Pack six top-15 finishers among the 35 Division I runners in the field.

The women's 2.5-mile race was up next. Claire Nelson would go on to be the Wolf Pack's top finisher, coming in 16th at 15:21.13. Madelyn Shipman (15:35.67), Ashley Boone (15:43.43), and Natalia Martino (15:43.51) all followed Nelson in order, giving the Pack four top-20 finishes in the field of 98.

"We were very focused on racing as a team. They ran as packs supporting each other throughout the race. They ran great team races even if individually it wasn't a perfect day. So, we have room to grow, and I am proud of their efforts," Elias added.

The Nevada teams return to action Sept. 21 at the UCR Invitational.

Nevada Results

Men (4.5 miles)
8. Tryon Jardin - 22:52.2
9. Daniel Sayo - 23:05.7
10. Celime Garcia - 23:13.8
12. Jaedyn Chase - 23:21.3
13. Eddie Yunker - 23:27.9
15. Austin Key - 23:37.9
16. Sergio Mazon - 23:39.2
19. Soma Baligad - 23:50.4
22. Dillon Walker - 24:01.9
23. James Gramling - 24:05.0
24. Jackson Hammons - 24:06.8

Women (2.5 miles)
16. Claire Nelson - 15:21.13
17. Madelyn Shipman - 15:35.67
18. Ashley Boone - 15:43.43
19. Natalia Martino - 15:43.51
21. Marina Renna - 15:51.86
22. Paulina Hultberg - 15:54.52
24. Aubrey Thompson - 16:05.34
25. Hannah Lee - 16:06.63
36. Skylar Bennett - 16:32.94
41. Kylee Denver - 16:52.26