SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg's men's and women's cross country teams opened their 2025 campaigns under the lights at the 15th annual Galen Piper Challenge hosted by Shippensburg on Friday night, Sept. 5. 


MaKayla Reichel turned in a memorable debut on the women's side, completing her first meet as a freshman with a 28th-place finish out of 94 total competitors thanks to a time of 16:38.5 in the 4K race. Fellow rookie Margaret Cuthie was the team's next finisher, with her effort of 18:45.2 proving good enough for 72nd overall. Marissa Becker, Melina Dhital, Layna Horner and Isabella McGuire rounded out the women's contingency. 


On the men's side, Zack Gibson was the team's top finisher, crossing the line of the 6K race in 23:15.4 to secure 89th place out of 116 total runners. A pair of freshmen in Dominic Basselgia and Brandon Everett joined sophomore Ben Seiler and seniors Kyle Davis and Will Wang in completing Penn State Harrisburg's group of competitors. 


With the season opener now behind them, the Lions are set to return to action at the United East Preview Meet hosted by Penn State Brandywine on Friday afternoon, Sept. 12. 


Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.