University of Louisville
Covered Bridge Open
Kibiwot, Partyka Lead Cardinals at Covered Bridge Open
September 02, 2022 | Cross Country
BOONE, N.C. – The University of Louisville men's and women's cross country teams opened the 2022 season Friday night in their first-ever appearance at the Covered Bridge Open.
The men finished third out of the 13 teams competing at Don Kennedy Trails while the women placed sixth as a team.
For the men, sophomore Ian Kibiwot led the Cardinals through the tape, placing second overall by completing the 8-kilometer race in 25:01.80. Kibiwot has now been the top scorer for Louisville in all six collegiate meets in which he has competed. Isaac Kiprop also finished in the top five, earning fourth with a time of 25:20.28.
Freshman Spenser Wolf finished just outside the top 20 in his collegiate debut, placing 21st in 26:08.24. Ethan Meyer crossed the line in 30th at 26:19.44, and freshman Jack Moore finished 44th in 26:39.39 to round out the scorers.
"It was great to see the men's squad patiently working together this evening," added Cowper. "Our newcomers did an outstanding job of competing and it's easy to see that Ian, Isaac, and Ethan have had a great summer of training."
The women took the course first, with Sydney Partyka leading the way in the 5-kilometer race. Her time of 18:16.21 was nearly a 30-second personal best and was good for a 19th place finish.
Lexie Paszkiewicz also recorded a huge personal best in the 5K, breaking the 19-minute barrier for the first time with a time of 18:56.80. Paszkiewicz placed 34th overall and was followed closely behind by Madeline Castleberry, who earned 35th in 19:03.54.
Freshman Ellie Maurer scored for the Cardinals in her first collegiate meet, finishing 45th in 19:12.91. Ella Swigler was the fifth woman to cross the line for Louisville, finishing at 19:26.23 in 53rd place.
"Our women's squad is beginning to gain fitness and we are excited to see the camaraderie growing," said head coach Dale Cowper. "They were able to keep their composure through some adversity tonight."
A total of ten athletes made their Louisville debuts, with six of the ten scoring athletes being newcomers.
"Coach (Eric) Heins and Coach (Andrew) Carlson have each squad focused on being ready to race in October and I'm excited to see continued growth throughout the fall."
The Cardinals will be back in action on Sept. 17 when they travel to Terre Haute, Ind. to compete in the John McNichols Invitational.
For the latest information on Louisville Cross Country/Track and Field, visit GoCards.com, or follow the team's Instagram and Twitter account at @LousvilleTFXC or on Facebook at facebook.com/LouisvilleTFXC.
Players Mentioned
