The Emory men’s and women’s cross country teams came through with strong showings as they began their respective seasons Tuesday evening.  Both squads ventured to Boiling Park in nearby Canton where they competed in the Emory-Berry Watermelon Race, which also featured teams from Belhaven and Agnes Scott (women’s side).

Competing in a 5k event, the Emory women claimed the top-eight finishes, headlined by senior Elise Viox who posted a 19:08.  Senior Aileen Rivell finished runner-up in the 47-runner field with a time of 19:27 while freshman Claire Wolters held down the No. 3 position with a 19:28.  Rounding out the top five were sophomores Abigail Hotaling (19:30) and Halle Markel (19:31).

Senior Lukas Mees led the men’s effort, pacing 39 runners over a four-mile course in a time of 20:57.8, just edging Alex Ntagawa of Belhaven (20:57.9). Sophomore Max Brown (20:58) and junior Michael McBane (21:27) were third and fourth, respectively, with junior Grant Murphy closing out the top five at 21:37.

Both teams return to action on Sept. 12 when they race at the Furman Classic.