HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. — Bellarmine University cross country opened its 2024 campaign Friday with abbreviated squads competing in the NKU Queen City Invite.

Both races were 5k. Bellarmine's men placed second of five although eight teams had competitors, while the Knights women placed third of four with seven teams having participants.

In his first collegiate race, freshman Ben Hunter paced Bellarmine's men by placing seventh (17:35.5). Junior Ryan Burchett also finished in the top 10 (10th, 16:13.3), with senior Hunter Griffin nipping on his heels (11th, 16:14.5). Freshmen Forrest Gago (14th, 16:19.5) and Jack Ballard (16th, 16:21.7) rounded out the top 5.

In their first respective collegiate races, freshmen Ginger Atzinger (20:53.3) and Shaianne Overall (20:56.9) led Bellarmine's women in 17th and 18th. Junior Ellerie Heinzmann (22nd, 21:26.7), senior Erin Luckett (24th, 21:35.9) and freshman Katie Schweigardt (26th, 21:46.5) completed the Knights' scoring.

Northern Kentucky placed first in both races.

Bellarmine will compete Sept. 20 in Notre Dame's National Catholic Invite.

Women's 5K: 17. Ginger Atzinger (20:53.3); 18. Shaianne Overall (20:56.9); 22. Ellerie Heinzmann (21:26.7); 24. Erin Luckett (21:35.9); 26. Katie Schweigardt (21:46.5); 28. Justice Pohlman-Singleton (21:57.7); 30. Molly Moore (21:58.9); 33. Sarah Jacob (23:35.6)

Men's 5K: 7. Ben Hunter (16:01.6); 10. Ryan Burchett (16:13.3); 11. Hunter Griffin (16:14.5); 14. Forrest Gago (16:19.5); 16. Jack Ballard (16:21.7); 18. Malcolm Robertson (16:26.4); 33. Sherjeel Khan (17:35.5)

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