NEWARK, N.J.- FDU Cross Country began the 2025 season at Branch Brook Park, as a part of the NJIT Season Opener. The Knights competed against four others schools Friday afternoon, with both the Men's and the Women's teams competing. 

The women's team was first in the event, and several Knights clocked great times to open the season. Freshman Temiloluwa Adebayo ran a team best time of 19:26 in her first collegiate meet and start. Mary Daclan finished second on the team with a time of 20:43, Isabel Michel finished third for the Knights in the season opener, clocking a time of 21 minutes and 39 seconds. 

"It was a great start to the season for the women. We came out and gave a strong effort and looked like a complete team! Temi and Mary showed promise in their debut tonight and I look forward to the the growth of this group over the course of the season," FDU Head Coach Wesley Stephens said after the meeting. 

The men's team concluded the meet, and the Knights started the season on a high note, as three Knights placed in the top ten of the event. Freshman Dylan Manning placed in fifth in his first career race and start, following the trend of FDU freshman shining in the first race of their career. Behind Manning was junior Trevor Ehrlicher and sophomore Kidus Zeleke.

"We have a very talented and deep group of men this year. Dylan Manning impressed in his first race as a Knight finishing 5th overall, followed by Trevor Ehlicher and Kidus Zeleke. The men posted a Top five spread of under 45 seconds which will bode well for us later in the season," Stevens added. 

The Knights will race next at the St. Peter's Dual on September 6th. Action from Lincoln Park will begin at 9 a.m. ET.