
Cross Country Competes at Chile Pepper Invite
10/4/2025 9:07:00 PM | Track & Field/XC
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The UNT cross country teams competed at the Chile Pepper Invitational, hosted by the University of Arkansas, on Saturday, as the men finished 12th out of 31 teams in an 8k event, while the women took 16th out of 31 in a 5k run.
The men were led by sophomore Joseph Wienen, who finished 37th, and sophomore Nolan House finished 47th in the 8k. On the women's side, UNT was led by junior Aditi Silwal, who finished 51st, with a personal best time of 17:42.90. The Mean Green women got another personal best from Ella Bengtsson, who ran an 18:22.30.
"The women had a very solid day given our early season injury battles," head coach Erik Stevens said. "I was very happy and proud with the performances that they put out there. We had two big PBs for Ella and Aditi and a near PB for Aubrey, coming off of a slow build. Veteran leadership bringing our 4- and 5-spots to a good spot to help solidify a nice showing. Given that we are down a few bodies still, these ladies showed heart and grit and made things happen.
"The men struggled a touch finding a solid rhythm through the race and just could never really find each other to make the push we needed to as a unit. We need to learn how to take our racing to the next level. This is the time of year when teams really start to see what they are about across the country. We have the individual pieces but we need to find ways to make that work in the team hunt.Â
The teams will be back in action on Oct. 17, at the Arturo Barrios Invitational at Texas A&M.
The men were led by sophomore Joseph Wienen, who finished 37th, and sophomore Nolan House finished 47th in the 8k. On the women's side, UNT was led by junior Aditi Silwal, who finished 51st, with a personal best time of 17:42.90. The Mean Green women got another personal best from Ella Bengtsson, who ran an 18:22.30.
"The women had a very solid day given our early season injury battles," head coach Erik Stevens said. "I was very happy and proud with the performances that they put out there. We had two big PBs for Ella and Aditi and a near PB for Aubrey, coming off of a slow build. Veteran leadership bringing our 4- and 5-spots to a good spot to help solidify a nice showing. Given that we are down a few bodies still, these ladies showed heart and grit and made things happen.
"The men struggled a touch finding a solid rhythm through the race and just could never really find each other to make the push we needed to as a unit. We need to learn how to take our racing to the next level. This is the time of year when teams really start to see what they are about across the country. We have the individual pieces but we need to find ways to make that work in the team hunt.Â
The teams will be back in action on Oct. 17, at the Arturo Barrios Invitational at Texas A&M.
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