HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Butler men's and women's cross country teams started with a bang on Sept. 1 as they opened their respective seasons at the Fun Valley Sports Complex for the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic hosted by Hutchinson CC.

Men's Results

Butler sophomore Adem Bouldjadj (Jijel, Algeria) finished first in the men's four-mile race with a time of 19:19.88, winning the race by an astounding 54 seconds. He missed out on the course record by nine seconds. The impressive race earned him KJCCC men's cross country athlete of the week.

Butler freshman Bhekizulu Khumalo (Johannesburg, South Africa) placed fifth racing unattached. He ran the course in 20:41.86 in his first race.

The men's team placed fifth in the race, the second highest community college team behind Garden City who was just ahead in fourth. Fort Hays St. placed first. Butler did not have its full men's team available but will have the full squad later this month.

Women's Results

The Butler women's squad placed third overall in the women's three-mile race and were the highest placing community college program on the evening. Fort Hays St. placed first with Tabor in second. Dodge City was in fourth with Cloud County rounding out the top five.

The Grizzlies had three top-15 performers with sophomore Khloi Bird (Topeka) being the highest finishing Grizzly in sixth with a finishing time of 18:17.43. Sophomore Jesica Mbhamali (Johannesburg, South Africa) placed eighth running 18:55.25 and Allison Unruh (Circle) rounded out the top-15 finishers in 15th running the three-mile course in 19:20.18.

Up Next

Both Grizzlies men's and women's teams will compete at the Missouri Southern Stampede in Joplin, Mo. at the Tom Rutledge Cross Country Course on Friday, Sept. 15 at 3:30 p.m. CT.