ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian College cross country team is gearing up for the 2025 MIAA Conference Meet this Saturday, hosted by the University of Olivet. The men's race will start at 11:00 AM, followed by the women's competition.

Over the course of the season, both squads have competed in four invitationals. The men's team achieved their top finish at the Comet Open, securing third place, while the women finished fourth. Leading the Bulldogs is Will Houvener, who has had a standout season. Houvener claimed victory at the Comet Open with a blazing 15:14.8, and earlier in the year he finished third at the Warrior Challenge with a time of 25:39.2. "Our men are ready to roll," said Head Coach Miles Caine. "I've been really impressed with their work ethic and dedication this year. If we go out and execute to the best of our ability, we could have one of the best days Adrian men's XC has had in some time. The deciding factor will be our fourth and fifth man—if they perform well, the team will perform well."

The women's squad is led by Bridget Waterstradt and Lily Etelamaki, who have both shined this season. Waterstradt's best finish came at the Comet Open, where she placed sixth, and she set a personal-best of 23:57.0 at the Oberlin Regional Rumble. Etelamaki's top finish also came at the Comet Open, placing 24th with a time of 19:56.2. "For our women, I've been very impressed with their focus and determination," said Caine. "Many have improved tremendously and are the fittest they've ever been. I believe they will show the most improvement of any team from the start of the season to the end."

Look for Houvener, Waterstradt, Etelamaki, and the rest of the Bulldogs to make a strong showing at the MIAA Meet this Saturday.

Up Next: The MIAA Conference meet will begin at 11 AM with the men and the women to follow.