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Louisburg College Cross Country Team with Head Coach Marshall Leonard
Louisburg College's Men's Cross Country team with Head Coach Marshall Leonard

Louisburg Men’s Cross Country Opens Season in Wilmington

The Louisburg College men's cross country team opened its 2025 season on Saturday in Wilmington, North Carolina, competing against a competitive field that included multiple NCAA Division I and II programs. The Hurricanes placed sixth overall in the team standings.

Louisburg was led by Derrick Harris, who delivered a strong performance while battling stride-for-stride with UNC Wilmington's top runner throughout the race. Close behind, Alex Dempsey stayed in contention with both Harris and UNCW's No. 2 runner, providing a solid one-two punch for the Hurricanes.

Christian Ortiz followed with a determined effort against a University of Mount Olive competitor, while Brandon Miller showcased consistency and leadership for the squad. Rounding out the top five was Brennen Stillion, who impressed in his collegiate cross country debut. Despite equipment issues—losing part of a shoe mid-race—Stillion displayed toughness and finished strong for the team.

"This was a great start to the season, and each athlete competed at a high level," said Head Coach Marshall Leonard. "The times were not what we expected due to the course conditions, with nearly half the route run on sand, but our group showed resilience. Every athlete fought for position and refused to give up spots. This team has a bright future, and I'm excited to see how the season progresses."