Marina
As the 2025 cross country season reaches its halfway point, the Emporia State Hornets face a pivotal challenge at the Griffon Invitational in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Scheduled for Saturday, October 4, the women’s 5K begins at 8:00 a.m., followed by the men’s 8K at 8:45 a.m..
This meet serves as a key midseason benchmark, testing the endurance, consistency, and progress of both teams as they prepare for the latter half of the season.
Recent Performance at Greeno-Dirksen Invitational
Before arriving in Missouri, Emporia State competed at the Greeno-Dirksen Invitational in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Both the men’s and women’s teams secured top-ten finishes, showing competitive depth and promising progress.
Women’s Results
- Mason Bina – 46th overall (19:06.91)
- Brooklyn Nolte – 66th (19:32.41)
- Emma Bartholome – 70th (19:36.32)
- Elizabeth Wilhite – 99th (20:04.23)
- Heidi Grimmett – 161st (21:22.61)
- Total Finishers – 231
Men’s Results
- Dylan Hunter – 70th overall (26:06.55)
- Carson Fouard – 113th (26:48.35)
- Treyton Laurance – 121st (26:55.77)
- Evan Benoit – 127th (27:01.73)
- Jack Harty – 135th (27:10.86)
- Total Finishers – 315
These outcomes provided a strong measuring stick, with the Hornets now looking to translate these performances into even sharper results at Griffon.
Griffon Invitational — A Midseason Test
This is Emporia State’s first regular-season appearance at the MWSU Cross Country Course, although the Hornets are familiar with the venue after competing there at the 2024 MIAA Championships.
- In 2024, the women’s team placed 8th, edging out Central Missouri by just two points.
- The men’s team finished 10th, with Dylan Hunter leading the way.
With experience on this course, the Hornets enter the 2025 Griffon Invitational better prepared and motivated to improve upon last year’s efforts.
Coaching and Leadership
Head Coach Justin Hill, now in his second season leading Emporia State cross country, continues to emphasize development and consistency. Having previously served as operations director and assistant coach, Hill provides both continuity and strategic guidance for the Hornets.
His leadership has been crucial in blending experienced seniors with emerging underclassmen talent.
Roster Strength and Key Athletes
One of the defining features of this season is the youth movement. Four of the top five finishers at each meet so far have been freshmen or sophomores.
- Dylan Hunter has consistently led the men’s team.
- Carson Fouard has locked in as the second scorer.
- Treyton Laurance, a senior, provides valuable leadership and consistency.
- Evan Benoit, a freshman, has quickly established himself as a reliable fourth runner.
On the women’s side:
- Mason Bina has now led the Hornets in eight straight races, continuing her dominance.
- Brooklyn Nolte, a freshman, has stepped up as the second scorer.
- Emma Bartholome and Elizabeth Wilhite provide important depth.
This blend of leadership and fresh energy has been critical to the Hornets’ momentum.
Key Information
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Griffon Invitational |
| Location | MWSU Cross Country Course, St. Joseph, MO |
| Date | Saturday, October 4, 2025 |
| Start Times | Women’s 5K – 8:00 a.m. / Men’s 8K – 8:45 a.m. |
| Previous Meet | Greeno-Dirksen Invitational (Women 7th, Men 10th) |
| Next Meet | FHSU Open, October 11, Hays, KS |
| Coach | Justin Hill (2nd Year) |
| Standout Athletes | Women: Bina, Nolte, Bartholome / Men: Hunter, Fouard, Laurance, Benoit |
What to Watch
- Improved Times — Athletes aim to beat their Nebraska results and set midseason personal bests.
- Team Depth — How the 3rd–5th finishers perform will be vital for scoring.
- Course Strategy — Experience on this course from 2024 could give Emporia State an edge.
- Underclassmen Impact — Freshmen and sophomores continue to be central to team performance.
The Griffon Invitational is more than just another race — it’s a midseason milestone for Emporia State cross country.
With strong performances in their last outing, valuable course experience from last year, and a roster fueled by both youth and veteran leadership, the Hornets are well-positioned to test their progress and set the stage for the remainder of the season.
The results in St. Joseph will reveal just how far they’ve come — and how much higher they can climb.