Graceland Cross Country Opens Season at Bill Buxton Invitational

INDIANOLA, Iowa — August 29, 2025 — The Graceland University men's and women's cross country teams launched their 2025 seasons at the Bill Buxton Invitational at Pickard Park in Indianola, Iowa, on Friday afternoon. Competing against a field led by Simpson College, both Yellowjacket squads gained valuable early-season experience on a demanding course.

The event served as the first meet of the fall for both teams, giving head coach Tom Shore and his runners a benchmark for the weeks ahead.

"This was a good first meet for us this season," Shore said. "It was a tough course with tough conditions, and our athletes went out and battled hard. It also gave us a good look at where we are right now and what we need to do for the rest of the year."

Women's 4K Recap

The Graceland women finished second overall with 50 points, competing against a deep and talented Simpson squad that placed five runners in the top five to score a perfect 15 points.

Junior Alissa Carusso paced the Yellowjackets, crossing the line in 19:05.6 for eighth place overall. She was followed closely by sophomore Sierra Davenport, who ran 19:28.0 to finish ninth.

Sophomore Ella Gerlach gave the Jackets another top-10 performance with her 19:56.5 time, securing 10th place. The scoring pack was rounded out by junior Caitlin Grover (21:31.2) and junior Thayadorra Echavarria (22:36.5).

Graceland posted a team average of 20:31.6 and a spread of 3:31.0 across its top five scorers, highlighting consistency within the pack.

Shore praised the women's effort to run in a controlled pack despite the course's rolling terrain. "We had several athletes step up today, and the women really worked together through the middle stages of the race, which is what we needed."

Men's 6K Recap

On the men's side, the Yellowjackets placed fourth overall with 110 points, finishing behind Simpson College, Simpson Alumni, and Southwestern CC. The team posted an average time of 25:36.3 across its scoring five.

Senior Rene Romero led the Jackets, clocking 24:17.2 to finish 20th overall. Freshman Ethan Ingram was next across in 24:22.9, giving the program optimism for its younger talent.

Junior Moses Ridley (25:56.5), freshman Xavier Rangel (26:30.1), and junior Matthew Patience (26:54.6) rounded out the top five. Junior Fidher Ramirez (28:03.6) added depth as the sixth finisher.

Graceland closed with a 2:37.5 spread between its top five runners, showcasing potential for tighter pack running as the season develops.

"The men got out well and stayed composed," Shore said. "For several of them, this was their first 6K at this level, and you could see the learning process unfold. That will pay dividends as we move to longer races later in the season."

Field Highlights

The competition featured a strong Simpson College program, with the Simpson women sweeping the top five places and James Johnson (Simpson) and Spencer Moone (Simpson Alum) leading the men's side with sub-19:00 6K performances.

For Graceland, the meet offered both challenges and building blocks. While neither team matched Simpson's depth, both squads laid the groundwork for steady progression in September meets.

Coach Shore's Takeaway

Shore emphasized that the Bill Buxton Invitational was less about the score and more about establishing a foundation.

"It was encouraging to see both teams compete hard in the first race," Shore said. "The women had a strong showing with three in the top 10, and the men are finding their rhythm with a mix of veterans and newcomers. We now have a benchmark, and our training will build from here."

Next Meet

The Yellowjackets return to action at the Cottey College Invitational on Friday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. at Frank E. Peters Golf Course in Nevada, Mo.

For more information on Graceland cross country and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.