With the NCAA Cross Country Championships just a month away, the 2025 Nuttycombe Wisconsin Invitational offered teams a crucial test on the famed Thomas Zimmer Championship Course. Against one of the deepest fields of the fall, both Stanford squads used Friday’s race to gauge their progress ahead of the postseason. 

Women’s race

The No. 11 Stanford women’s team entered Madison facing a loaded field that included several top-10 teams, including No. 1 NC State and No. 5 New Mexico. Junior Sophia Kennedy led the charge early, positioning herself among the leaders and surging late to secure a seventh-place finish in 19:48.7.

Standout freshman Hanne Thomsen continued to impress in her collegiate debut season, placing 35th in 20:30.2 and providing critical support near the front of the chase pack. Behind her, graduate student Mena Scatchard (56th, 20:43.7), senior Riley Stewart (75th, 20:56.6) and senior Julia Flynn (77th, 20:56.9) rounded out Stanford’s scoring five. 

Even with the depth of competition, the Cardinal maintained a tight 68-second spread between their first and fifth runners, a promising sign heading into the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championships. The women’s team placed eighth overall, upsetting the No. 5 New Mexico team that placed ninth.

Men’s race

The No. 18 Stanford men’s team also battled a competitive slate that featured national powerhouses No. 3 New Mexico and No. 5 Colorado. Junior Leo Young led the way, finishing 32nd overall in 23:48.6, while teammates sophomore James Dargan (24:23.9), freshman Evan Noonan (24:26.6), sophomore Byron Grevious (24:33.6) and sophomore Josh Bell (24:34.9) rounded out Stanford’s top five.

Stanford displayed notable depth, even with the team’s anticipated No. 1 runner junior Lex Young still out this season due to injury. The five scorers finished within 47 seconds of each other, placing 16th as a team overall. New Mexico’s Habtom Samuel set a blistering pace from the gun, winning in 22:58.0 and setting a course record.

Looking ahead

After one final tune-up before the championship stretch, Stanford left Wisconsin with valuable insights. Both teams will now turn their focus toward the ACC Championships, which will be held in Louisville, Kentucky on Oct. 31.