SALEM, Ore. - Both College of Idaho cross country teams made strong statements Saturday at the 50th annual Charles Bowles Invitational hosted by Willamette University, emerging as the top non-NCAA Division I programs in their respective races.
The men's team delivered its best performance of the season in the 8K race, placing fourth overall in a loaded field and finishing ahead of several NCAA Division I and II programs. All five scoring runners crossed the line in under 25 minutes, marking a major milestone for the squad.
Leading the way was Collin De Julio, followed by Isaac Anttonen, Oclan Ryan, Ashton Drage, and Cass Violett to complete the Yotes' scoring five. College of Idaho's total team time of 2:03:08 (24:37 average) placed them behind only Portland, Idaho, and UC Santa Barbara, all NCAA Division I schools.
In the women's 5K race, the Yotes claimed sixth place overall and were also the top non-DI team across the line. Rozzlyn Cazier paced the group with another strong showing, while Julia Gilbert, Paiten Braseth, Kylee Quinton, and Ainsley Bowen rounded out the scoring lineup. The squad clocked a combined 1:31:17 with an 18:15 average time per runner.
The next two weekends will see the Yotes split up. Some will head to Lewis-Clark State while others will take an off-weekend before heading to the Blazing Tiger Classic in Nebraska.
