The Hillsdale College men's cross country team opened the 2024 season at home for the first time in four years on Friday night, hosting G-MAC foe and nearby rival Findlay for a dual meet on the Chargers' home course at Hayden Park.

Competing in a 5K race, Hillsdale placed two in the top five and three in the top six, though it was unable to get the better of the veteran Oilers, who took the team race 22-37.

Defending G-MAC Champion Noah Foster took the individual title for Findlay in 15:26.9, but Hillsdale made it a close race. Senior Richie Johnston, a returning All-G-MAC honoree from 2023 as well, placed third in 15:30.6, less than four seconds behind the winner to lead the Chargers.

Hillsdale also got a strong finish from Lansing Community College transfer Gabriel Phillips in his debut race with the Chargers, as the junior placed fifth in 15:41.8, and senior Ross Kuhn was close behind in sixth for Hillsdale with a time of 15:44.4.

Junior Nathaniel Osborne placed 11th in 16:12.0 and sophomore Caleb Youngstedt took 12th in 16:15.9 to round out Hillsdale's scoring runners, while senior Donny McArdle took 14th in 16:18.5 and freshman Daniel Johnson took 17th in 16:28.5 as well.

Hillsdale is back in action again next Friday, as the Chargers travel to New Boston, Michigan to participate in the Warrior Challenge hosted by Wayne State.

Photo by Elaine Kutas