KAYLIN PELLEGRINI | STAFF REPORTER

The Butler cross country team began its season this morning in Carmel, and both the men and women had strong showings.

The men’s team came in first place overall and had four freshmen finish in the top five.

Freshman Matt Lumbar placed first in the men’s 6K race with a time of 19:21.

Lumbar said the team planned to begin the race at a slower pace and then move up in the race. He did just that.

“After about 3K in I was still feeling pretty good and I decided I’d make a move and it turned out well,” Lumbar said.

Chris O’Brien finished second right behind Lumbar with a time of 19:23. Billy Thomas finished fourth with a time of 19:49 and Keigan Culler finished fifth with a time of 19:53.

Three Butler women finished in the Top 10 while the team finished second overall. Indiana University-Purdue University took first overall in the 5K race.

Junior transfer Laura Riches won the 5K with a time of 18:22.

“I’ve been training quite hard this week, so it was nice to get a good one out,” Riches said. “It’s nice to start on a high to give me confidence for the rest of the way.”

Freshman Maddie Westerhoff finished second with a time of 18:47 and freshman Jackie Dubnicka finished sixth with a time of 19:25.

The teams will participate in the Indiana Intercollegiate Meet on Sept. 19 in Bloomington.