ORONO, Maine - The University of Maine Cross Country programs open up the 2025 season with the Army Scarlett Knights on Friday, Aug. 29. The men's event will start at 8:35 a.m., followed by the women's race, at Saxl Park in Bangor, Maine.

Men's Program Preview:
The Black Bears Men's program finished last season on a roll finishing in first place at the Franklin Pierce event on Oct. 11 with seven Black Bears finishing in the top-20 overall. Maine also took home second place in the America East Championships back on Nov. 2 where three Black Bears finished in the top-10.

Key Returners:
Top cross country returner Charlie Collins returns for another season. Collins was a big piece of the Black Bears last season. Collins took home 1st place in last years home opening meet with a time of 24:52.1. Collins will not be in competition on Friday as he prepares for the long season ahead.

Kyle McClellan is coming off of a solid track season with back to back events with a new PR in the America East Outdoor Championships (5000m) and in the NEICAAA Outdoor Championships (3000S). McClellan had a breakthrough performance in last week's time trial for the Black Bears.

Adam Bendetson is returning to the course after a great track season where he competed in the 5000m and the 10000m where he finished in the top 10 at the Sean Collier Invitational back on April 18 and 19.

Harry Grenier is returning to the course after a huge breakthrough in his track campaign posting top 10 finishes in both the 5000m and the 10000m.

Women's Program Preview:
The Black Bears are looking to build off of a strong 2024 campaign where they finished in the top three multiple times, including in the University of Vermont Invitational, the Maine State Meet and at the Franklin Pierce Event in October. The Black Bears finished 6th in the America East Championships back in November.

Key Returners:
Megan Randall is back, healthy and better than she was 2 years ago when she broke school records and was 2nd in XC at America East. 

Ruby Krasnow a veteran leader and a super consistent competitor is returning to the course this season. Ruby is in great form starting the season. 

Eden Newman had a strong freshman campaign and had a great time trial last week. Newman is looking to build off that strong freshman campaign.

Helen Shearer is coming off a regional qualification during the outdoor season Helen has a lot of experience and will be a major factor for the Black Bears during the post season this year.



-UMaine-