The Iowa men’s cross-country team started off the season strong with a victory in the Early Bird Open on Aug. 31 in Macomb, Ill.

Because of the high temperatures, the men ran a 6-kilometer race instead of the usual 8 kilometers.

Rain also helped to cool down the runners.

The summer practices paid off with all six Iowa runners finishing the race in the top 10.

Sophomore Kevin Lewis was the first runner to cross the finish line from any squad, winning with a career best 18:35. Right behind Lewis in second place was junior Jon Michael Brandt at 18:44, also a career best.

Though Brandt was satisfied with his performance, he was less concerned with individual finishes but rather how the team did as a whole.

“It was a really good opener,” he said. “It showed the work and quality of work that everyone put in this summer and that we all have a common goal, and everyone was working toward it.”

Junior Sam Chaney took third at 18:53. In his first college race, freshman Anthony Gregorio finished fifth with a time of 18:58. Freshman Taylor Soltys took seventh at 19:10, followed by sophomore Sam Fourman with an eight-place finish at 19:12.

Head coach Larry Wiezcorek was pleased with the squad’s performance.

“I think we accomplished our goal of getting off to a strong start,” he said in a release on Aug. 31.

by Jalyn Souchek