University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Charlotte Opener
Neal Takes Individual Title, Women Win Team Title At Charlotte Opener
August 29, 2025 | Cross Country
CONCORD, N.C. – Aiden Neal (14:44.9) took home the individual title at the Charlotte Opener, and the women's team earned the first team victory of the season, extending the winning streak at the Charlotte Opener to five to open the cross country season.
Neal notched his first career cross country victory as he cruised to the win by more than three seconds. Max Murphy (14:52.1) was right behind Neal as he finished in third, as four Tar Heels finished in the top ten. Murphy's third-place finish was the best finish of his career.
A trio of Carolina runners crossed the finish line in the top three. Logan St. John-Kletter (17:28.2) posted the best finish of her career, leading the way for the Tar Heels. Libby Castelli (17:28.4) and Reese Dalton (17:28.6) crossed the line nearly side-by-side. The scoring five all came inside the top ten, and every runner finished ahead of Queens University as a whole. Three runners made their college debuts: Castelli, Katelyn Rupe (17:42.2), and Kinley Wolfe (17:49.4).
Results:
Men's 5k Results, 2nd
1. Aiden Neal, 14:44.9
3. Max Murphy, 14:52.1
9. Gitch Hayes, 15:10.1
10. Joe Sapone, 15:10.4
11. Jacob Laney, 15.11.9
16. Luke Liming, 15:22.6 [Tar Heel Debut]
22. Henry Strand, 15:38.9 [Tar Heel XC Debut]
34. Ethan Hogan, 16:35.0 [Tar Heel XC Debut]
Women's 5k Results, 1st
3. Logan St. John-Kletter, 17:28.2
4. Libby Castelli, 17:28.4 [Tar Heel Debut]
5. Reese Dalton, 17:28.6
6. Maddie Gardiner, 17:32.4
9. Katelyn Rupe, 17:42.2 [Tar Heel Debut]
11. Kinley Wolfe, 17:49. 4 [Tar Heel Debut]
19. Julia Scrudato, 18:35.5 [Tar Heel Debut]
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Players Mentioned
