Loyola’s cross country season got off to a strong start as both men’s and women’s teams took first place in the Wolf Pack Invitational.

Both the men’s and women’s teams had the fastest combined times in each of their races at the meet on Saturday, Sept. 7.

Seven colleges attended the meet, including Xavier University, William Carey University, University of Mobile, Bellhaven University, Dillard University and Spring Hill College. Head Coach Andy Canegitta expressed his take on how the Loyola runners were looking.

“On the women’s side, we are much improved,” he said. “As the season goes on, I think we’re going to be a lot better.”

He also said that the men’s team has seen an improvement.

“Our talent is a lot better than last year. The only problem is we’ve got to stay healthy,” Canegitta said.

Management senior Elizabeth Gienger was also positive about this year’s team, citing the addition of “talented” runners to the roster.

“I’m feeling pretty good. We have a good group of girls. We have a lot of new girls in that are going to help out with the team a lot, so I think we’re going to do pretty well,” Gienger said.

General studies history freshman Patrick Gallagher said the main difference he’s experienced between running for Loyola’s team and running for his high school team has been the heat.

“On a personal level, it’s interesting because I’m from Minnesota, and back home when cross country season started it was usually between seventy and eighty degrees. I came here and the first day I was here it was like ninety degrees,” he said. “Now I’m adjusted, and the heat doesn’t bother me anymore.”

The Loyola community celebrated as both the men’s and women’s teams took first place on Saturday morning. Loyola’s men’s team had two runners in the top 10. Coming in fifth was bioology sophomore Michael Corso, and right behind him in sixth was Gallagher.

The Loyola women’s team who took top 10 spots came in fifth through eighth consecutively.

Canegitta said he was pleased with the weekend’s result, but said that every meet has its own unique challenges.

“Every meet’s different. It’s just, that meet that we had gives me an idea of what we need to work on.”

The runners’ next meet is scheduled for Sept. 21.

Wolf Pack runners will be running in Baton Rouge, La. for the LSU Invitational. The runners will be facing different competition, such as LSU and other NCAA level opponents.

Jacob Stringer can be reached at [email protected]