Concord, N.C., August 30, 2025
News Summary
In a stellar opening to the cross country season, Aiden Neal clinched his first individual title at the Charlotte Opener with a time of 14:44.9. The UNC men’s team showcased strong performances, securing multiple top placements, while the women’s team extended their winning streak, achieving their fifth consecutive victory at the event. Both teams demonstrated impressive skills at Frank Liske Park, setting the stage for a promising season ahead.
Concord, N.C. – Aiden Neal and Women’s Team Shine at Charlotte Opener, Tar Heels Continue Winning Streak
Aiden Neal achieved a significant milestone by winning the individual title at the Charlotte Opener with a remarkable time of 14:44.9, marking his first career victory in cross country. Neal’s impressive performance secured him a win by more than three seconds, as he led a strong showing from the University of North Carolina (UNC) men’s team. Alongside Neal, Max Murphy finished in third place with a personal-best time of 14:52.1, while four Tar Heels finished in the top ten of the men’s race.
The women’s team also delivered an outstanding performance at the season opener, achieving their first victory of the season and extending their winning streak at the Charlotte Opener to five consecutive years. Leading the Tar Heels, Logan St. John-Kletter finished in third place with a career-best time of 17:28.2. Her teammates Libby Castelli and Reese Dalton closely followed, securing fourth and fifth places respectively with times of 17:28.4 and 17:28.6.
Men’s Race Performance
In the men’s race, Aiden Neal’s triumph set the tone for a strong team performance. Max Murphy’s third-place finish was complemented by Gitch Hayes in ninth place with a time of 15:10.1, and Joe Sapone clinched the tenth position at 15:10.4. Jacob Laney was just behind, finishing in eleventh place with a time of 15:11.9. Other notable finishes included Luke Liming in sixteenth at 15:22.6 and Henry Strand, competing in his Carolina XC debut, placing twenty-second with a time of 15:38.9. Ethan Hogan also participated, finishing thirty-fourth at 16:35.0.
Women’s Race Performance
The women’s team showcased a powerful outing, with all scoring runners placing within the top ten. Alongside Logan St. John-Kletter were Maddie Gardiner in sixth place with a time of 17:32.4, and Katelyn Rupe and Kinley Wolfe, who both made their college debuts, finishing in ninth and eleventh places with times of 17:42.2 and 17:49.4, respectively. This dominant performance continued the team’s legacy at the Charlotte Opener as every Tar Heel runner placed ahead of the Queens University team.
Event Details
The races were held at Frank Liske Park in Concord, N.C., marking the official start of the season for both the men’s and women’s cross-country teams at UNC. With the men’s team finishing strong and securing multiple top placements, and the women’s team continuing their impressive winning streak, both teams appear poised for a successful season ahead.
Background Context
The Charlotte Opener serves as a significant annual event for collegiate cross-country runners, providing an early opportunity to test their readiness for the season. The UNC Tar Heels have established a strong reputation in cross-country and the results from this event reflect ongoing competitive excellence.
FAQ
What event did Aiden Neal and the UNC Tar Heels participate in?
Aiden Neal and the UNC Tar Heels participated in the Charlotte Opener, marking the start of the collegiate cross-country season.
What were the notable achievements of the men’s team?
The men’s team had four runners finish in the top ten, with Aiden Neal winning the individual title, and Max Murphy achieving his best career finish in third place.
How did the women’s team perform?
The women’s team secured their first victory of the season by placing all scoring runners in the top ten, with Logan St. John-Kletter leading the way in third place.
Where was the event held?
The Charlotte Opener was held at Frank Liske Park in Concord, North Carolina.
Summary of Key Performances
| Runner | Place | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aiden Neal | 1st | 14:44.9 | First career win |
| Max Murphy | 3rd | 14:52.1 | Best career finish |
| Logan St. John-Kletter | 3rd | 17:28.2 | Career-best finish |
| Maddie Gardiner | 6th | 17:32.4 | |
| Katelyn Rupe | 9th | 17:42.2 | College debut |
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Additional Resources
- UNC Tar Heels News
- Charlotte 49ers News
- Davie Boys Cross-Country News
- Charlotte Cross Country Season Preview
- Fox 47 News
- Wikipedia: Cross Country Running
- Google Search: UNC Tar Heels Cross Country
- Google Scholar: Cross Country Running
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cross Country
- Google News: Cross Country Running Results
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