The University of Idaho cross country teams faced a competitive field at the Bill Dellinger Invitational in Eugene, Oregon, with both squads finishing among the top eight teams. The Vandal women placed seventh in the 6K, while the men secured eighth place in the 8K.
The meet provided Idaho with an important opportunity to measure its progress against Division I competition as the season approaches its championship stage. Several Vandals delivered personal-best performances, giving the team momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
Senior Zac Knapp led the Idaho men after returning to competition following a meet away from racing. Knapp finished the 8K in 24 minutes, 44.8 seconds, recording his fastest time of the season and leading the Vandal lineup across the finish line.
Freshman Miles Lechtenberg followed Knapp, finishing 36th overall. Lechtenberg continued to contribute to Idaho’s men’s team as the Vandals competed against a challenging field in Eugene.
Junior Ralston Graves also turned in a strong performance, finishing as Idaho’s third runner. Graves crossed the line in 25:01.9, establishing a new personal best in the 8K. His result added to a series of individual improvements for the Vandals as the season moves toward postseason competition.
The Idaho women delivered several standout performances of their own, led by senior Constanze Paoli. In her first race since winning gold at the Montana Invitational last month, Paoli finished fourth overall in the 6K with a personal-best time of 20:13.9.
Paoli’s result gave Idaho one of its strongest individual finishes of the meet. Her return to competition also provided the Vandals with another encouraging performance as the team prepares for the upcoming conference championships.
Junior Jesse Redding added another top finish for Idaho, placing 12th overall in 20:58.3. The performance marked a personal best for Redding in the 6K and continued what has been a productive season for the junior runner.
Following the race, Redding said she was pleased with her effort and her ability to remain focused throughout the course.
She also praised her teammates for pushing through the mental challenges of the race and continuing to give their best efforts. Redding described the team as making progress together as the season advances.
Junior Alex Terry rounded out Idaho’s top three women’s finishers, placing 22nd overall. Terry said she was satisfied with her effort while recognizing that she still has room to improve as she continues through the season.
Terry also expressed confidence in the direction of the team, noting that the runners are developing at different stages and showing signs of improvement.
The Bill Dellinger Invitational represented one of Idaho’s most competitive tests of the regular season. With both teams finishing in the top eight and several athletes recording personal or season bests, the Vandals gained valuable experience against a strong Division I field.
The meet also gave Idaho an opportunity to compete against other Big Sky Conference programs before the conference championships. Head coach emphasized that the team competed well but still has room to improve as the postseason approaches.
With three weeks remaining before the Big Sky Championships, Idaho will focus on preparing for the most important races of its season. The coaching staff views the conference meet as the primary objective, making the final weeks of the regular season an important period for continued development.
The Vandals will return to competition Saturday, Oct. 17, at the LC State Invitational in Lewiston, Idaho. The meet will serve as Idaho’s final regular-season competition before the team turns its attention toward championship racing.