Takoma Park, Md. – The Washington Adventist University men's and women's cross country teams kicked off their 2025 season yesterday at the Eagles Cross Country Challenge, competing against a strong field and setting the tone for the fall campaign.

 

The Lady Shock opened their season with grit and determination, tackling a challenging course with a team full of newcomers making their collegiate debuts. Jordyn Shaeffer, Mychel Baron, and Bianca Bedoya completed their first course for WAU, finishing a solid debut performance in the 4K. The group's depth showed promise, as several athletes packed tightly in the middle of the race, demonstrating the team's potential for growth and competitiveness throughout the season.

 

Both men's and women's programs are encouraged by their opening performances and will look to build momentum heading into their next meet. Head Coach Omoleye Akande emphasized the importance of this early test, noting that the Challenge provided a strong benchmark to measure all of the hard work the team put in over the summer.

 

The Shock return to action on September 12 at the Shenandoah University Open, where they'll aim to continue building on this solid foundation.

 

---

Follow the Shock

Stay connected with the Shock all season long by following @WAUShock and @WAU_XC on Instagram for live updates, scores, and behind-the-scenes content.