Ellensburg, Wash. – Central Washington University hosted Seattle Pacific University and the University of Alaska Fairbanks for the Wildcat Winter Invitational.

The Wildcats hosted the Winter Invitational as their only event of the season due to the fallout of COVID-19 last spring. "We're just so thankful that we got to compete and have a cross country race, in general, this school year," CWU Head Coach Kevin Adkission said. "We did go full distance, 6K & 8K and that's tough. Typically, we have a shorter distance to open up the season as we work towards being able to handle that full distance."

The full-distance race along with the brisk 24° posed a challenge to all the runners.

"They suffered a little but I think the experience of it, especially for the new people, is invaluable as they got to get out and feel what full conference distance championship distances feel like," Adkisson continued.

On the men's side, Freshmen Shawn Clough led the way for the Wildcats with a time of 27:10.6, keeping a close pack with teammate Ty Savely who followed closely behind at only 27:16.8. The pair secured 4^th & 5^th place for the Wildcats.

"Two newcomers led the way with top 5 finishes and both their first races for the Wildcats," Adkisson noted.

The women had a strong showing as well, with Junior Molly Mattson securing 3^rd place and leading the Wildcats with a time of 23:51.1.

"Super happy that Molly got third and into the mix of the top couple of gals," added Adkisson. "It's great to see her really coming into her own at the junior year."

The Wildcats look towards the upcoming Track & Field season.