McMINNVILLE, Ore. – Linfield's Calvin Cahill and Willamette's Jay Chew dueled for the top spot in the men's race on Friday at the Linfield Harrier Classic, highlighting a strong season-opening effort for both Northwest Conference schools. The meet was contested amidst warm conditions and covering mostly open trails at sprawling Joe Dancer Park.
 
MEN
Chew, a Willamette freshman, outpaced Cahill, beating the Wildcats sophomore by a 20.5-second margin, 20:19.5 to 20:40.0. Willamette's men prevailed in the point standings as well, 25-30, over their rivals to the north.
 
Linfield's Alex Oathout claimed sixth place in the six-kilometer race in 21:15.8, which also included competitors from Western Oregon University. Other Wildcat finishers included Bradley Kiltow, eighth in 21:28.7, Kai Szostak, 13^th in 22:03.4, Evan Kern, 14^th in 22:11.0, and John Christian, 16^th in 22:24.4. Also representing Linfield were Juston Rogers, 19^th in 24:05.6, and newcomer Trent Fuhriman, 20^th in 25:15.0.
 
WOMEN
The women's four-kilometer race was dominated by Western Oregon athletes, with Wolves taking the top three individual places. Linfield's Jennifer Torres Bermudez was the fourth finisher to cross the finish line, clocking 16:02.4. Makayla Erickson was close behind in 16:28.2, good for sixth place. Four Wildcats finished tightly clustered in a pack as freshman Emma Brundage took 13^th place in 17:25.1, Kaylee Delzotti was 14^th in 17:26.3, Samantha Kasitz was 15^th in 17:33.5, and first-year runner Mary Sturley was 16^th in 17:38.4. Other Wildcat racers included Holly Riley, 19^th in 18:04.8, Anna Frazier, 21^st in 18:26.8, and Amber Chaffee, 22^nd in 18:35.0.
 
NEXT
Linfield competes at the Ash Creek Invitational, hosted by Western Oregon, on Friday, Sept. 16, at 5 p.m.