TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The College of Idaho cross country teams turned in strong national performances Friday at the NAIA Cross Country Championships, as both the women and men delivered top-15 finishes despite competing with some of the youngest rosters in the field.
Two years removed from the women's national title and one year removed from the men's championship, the Yotes entered 2025 in rebuilding mode after graduating nearly all of their top runners. Even with the roster turnover, both groups raced with poise on the national stage.
Women Place Fifth and Produce Three All-Americans
The C of I women finished fifth with 233 points, missing the national trophy stand by just one point. The Yotes earned three All-America honors with top 40 finishes from Julia Gilbert, Kylee Quinton and Rozzlyn Cazier.
Gilbert placed 23rd in 21:49.4, followed by Quinton in 27th at 21:52.9 and Cazier in 31st at 21:56.1. Freshman Ainsley Bowen added a key 61st-place finish in 22:39.5, and freshman Paiten Braseth closed scoring in 95th at 23:07.7. Josie Patton (128th, 23:28.2) and Jovi Kuskie (159th, 24:00.3) rounded out the lineup.
Men Take 14th Behind Breakthrough Underclassmen
The men's team, returning just one runner from last year's national championship squad, finished 14th with 404 points.
Isaac Anttonen led the Yotes in 47th at 25:23.0, followed by Collin De Julio in 65th at 25:34.5 and Casey Crumley in 110th at 26:03.2. Everett Metier finished 124th in 26:06.5, and Oclan Ryan placed 135th in 26:10.5. Isaac Edwards (148th, 26:16.3) and Cass Violett (223rd, 26:53.3) also competed.
Strong Foundation for the Future
With every scorer returning next season, both Yote squads demonstrated that although the lineups have turned over significantly, the program's competitive standard remains firmly in place.
