FLORENCE, Ala. – The AUM men's cross country team opened the 2025 campaign on Friday, turning in a second-place finish at the UNA Invitational. The meet was hosted by the University of North Alabama at McFarland Park and featured 14 teams and 153 athletes.

The Warhawks produced a combined team time of 2:09:20 in the 8K race, less than two full seconds away from claiming first place.

Three AUM runners finished their day in the top 15, with freshman Caleb Yoder leading the team with a fifth-place time of 25:29.8. Teammate Dalton Benefield (25:31.7) finished on his heels, while sophomore Michael Banks (25:39.5) picked up 11th individually. 

JT Mathison made his Warhawk debut with a time of 26:17.1, good enough for 25th, while Brexton Hathaway (26:22.8) crossed the finish five seconds later to place 28th. Senior Sam Leslie (26:33.8, 31st) and freshman Liam Zadoorian (27:17.3, 55th) rounded out the team scoring, giving AUM a strong start to the season.

"I was really happy with both races," said Head Coach Ryan Thompson. "The men got out well and executed the race plan. There are a few things we can work on and tighten up, but that's to be expected after the first race."

The Warhawks are back in action next Friday, when they make they head north to Montevallo to take part in the Falcon Classic Twilight.

Complete race results here: UNA Invitational