SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Anderson's men's cross country team opened their 2024 season on Friday, competing at the Eye Opener hosted by USC Upstate in Spartanburg. 

Freshman Eddie Wedgewood (Easley, S.C.) paved the way for AU, running 26:18 in the men's 8k for a 29th-place finish. Just behind Wedgewood was sophomore Nathan Smith (Danielsville, Ga.), finishing 38th with a time of 26:46. 

The Black and Gold finished seventh of 18 teams, falling behind race champions Furman, runner-up Clemson and meet hosts USC Upstate (5th). Anderson finished ahead of fellow Southeast Regional competitor Lees-McRae (picked 8th in preseason poll) and Division I programs, Wofford and The Citadel. 

A full list of race results can be found here. 

The Trojans are back next week, racing at the Southern Showcase in Alabama on Friday morning.