Lourdes University men's and women's cross country began their 2025 campaigns at the WSU Warrior Challenge on Friday morning at Willow Metropark, with senior Liam LeBlanc and freshman Aubree Appleman pacing the Gray Wolves in the season opener.

On the men's side, LeBlanc (Macomb, Mich./Henry Ford) led Lourdes across the 8K course in a time of 28:57.7, while fellow senior Gavin Hamilton (Grand Blanc, Mich./Powers Catholic) was the team's second finisher at 33:06.1. With just two runners competing, the Gray Wolves did not register a team score in a race won by host Wayne State.

Appleman (Britton, Mich./) made her collegiate debut as Lourdes' top women's finisher, covering the 6K layout in 25:13.5. She was followed by senior A'Maya Hodges (Toledo, Ohio/Springfield) in 30:17.0 and senior Natalie Sample (Wolverine Lake, Mich./Walled Lake Central) at 30:27.5. The trio represented Lourdes in a field that saw Findlay capture the team title.

The Gray Wolves return to action on Friday, Sept. 26, when they travel to Heritage Park in Adrian, Mich., for the Siena Heights Invitational.