CONWAY, Ark. -- The University of Arkansas at Monticello men's and women's cross country teams opened the 2026 season Saturday at the UCA Bear Invitational, hosted by the University of Central Arkansas.
Both Weevil squads competed in three-mile races to begin the fall campaign, with the UAM women earning a fourth-place team finish and the men placing eighth.
WOMEN'S 3 MILE
Freshman Laura Jonas led the way for Arkansas-Monticello in her collegiate debut, crossing the finish line in 22:23.5 to place 21st overall and 10th among team scorers.
Junior Brilynn Findley followed closely behind, finishing in 22:30.0 for 23rd overall. The duo gave UAM two finishers inside the top 25.
Lainey Tippen was the third Weevil across the line at 27:09.7, followed by Madelyn Willard at 28:07.6 and Aubrey O'Bryant at 28:45.0 to round out Arkansas-Monticello's scoring five.
The Weevils finished fourth overall with 97 points, ahead of Central Baptist. Central Arkansas won the women's team title with 15 points.
UAM WOMEN'S RESULTS - 4th Place
Laura Jonas - 22:23.5 (21st)
Brilynn Findley - 22:30.0 (23rd)
Lainey Tippen - 27:09.7 (37th)
Madelyn Willard - 28:07.6 (40th)
Aubrey O'Bryant - 28:45.0 (42nd)
Kaylee Arnold - 31:49.5 (46th)
MEN'S 3 MILE
Freshman Christian Irvin paced the Arkansas-Monticello men's squad in his collegiate debut, finishing the three-mile course in 19:12.4. Irvin placed 33rd overall and was the 28th team scorer.
Junior James Perry was next across the line for UAM with a time of 21:14.9, while sophomore Nick Smith followed at 22:42.1.
Giannsen Valdez and freshman Ty King crossed nearly side-by-side to complete the Weevils' scoring five, finishing in 29:20.1 and 29:20.2, respectively.
Arkansas-Monticello finished eighth in the team standings with 209 points. Central Arkansas claimed the men's title with a perfect score of 15.
UAM MEN'S RESULTS - 8th Place
Christian Irvin - 19:12.4 (33rd)
James Perry - 21:14.9 (44th)
Nick Smith - 22:42.1 (51st)
Giannsen Valdez - 29:20.1 (56th)
TY King - 29:20.2 (57th)
UP NEXT
Arkansas-Monticello will continue its 2026 cross-country season at the Lois Davis Invitational, hosted by Southern Arkansas, on Sept. 18.
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