NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University cross country teams kicked off their 2025 seasons with the men finishing seventh and the women finishing eighth at the Battle for New Orleans meet, co-hosted by New Orleans and Tulane, Friday evening at Lake Oaks Park.
 
In the women's 4K race, the Lady Lions were led to the finish line by Ava Pitarro, who stopped the clock in 15:12.36. JoAnna Cornette was the next Southeastern runner to come home, crossing the line in 17:07.24. Mya Parker was next in 18:18.56. Laney Gardner finished in 18:34.14. Callie Arthur rounded out the SLU field by coming home in 20:23.22.
 
That was good for 252 points, placing the Lady Lions eighth on the day.
 
Up next was the men's 5K race. The first Lion to register his time was Tanner Salsman, who crossed the finish line in 16:35.76. Up next was Bryce Johnson, who stopped the clock in 17:11.10. Not far behind Johnson was Matthew Norman, who finished in 17:23.80. D'Juan Joseph was the next Lion home in 17:57.31. Landen Schillage rounded out the scoring Lions by clocking in at 18:00.86. Matthew Berthelot was the final Southeastern runner to finish, stopping the clock in 18:28.24.
 
Southeastern's men's team accrued 210 points in the team competition, placing them seventh overall.
 
After a week off, the Lions and Lady Lions return to action in the only cross country relay of the season at the LSU Invitational. The men will run a 2x4K relay starting at 8:15 a.m. while the women will run a 2x3K relay starting at 9 a.m. on Sept. 12 at the LSU UREC Field Complex.
 
PODIUM CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the track and field program are encouraged to join the Podium Club. Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners. All membership fees and donations to Podium Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern track and field program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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