Misenheimer, N.C. - The Johnson & Wales Charlotte cross country teams kicked off their 2026 campaigns on Friday at the Pfeiffer Invitational.

JWU finished third in the women's 5k race with a score of 80. The host Falcons were first with 19 points, while Salem was runner-up with 70. Freshman Grace Gant claimed a podium finish in her first collegiate race, posting a time of 21:25.5. Lesly Perez-Temozihui finished 15th overall in 26:26.1, while Aitana Matuty was 17th in 28:18.5. Joanie Santiago (28:39.6/20th), and Paris Smith (33:28/29th) were the other scoring runners for the Wildcats.

The men's 5k race saw JWU finish 4th as a team, scoring 85 points. Justin Wagner paced the Wildcats with a 22nd place finish in a time of 19:02.7. Justin Gavett ran a 23:31.7 to finish 38th, and Fernando Esteban posted a 23:49.2 time that was good enough for 40th place. Javaun Russell (24:32.5/42nd), and Isaac Morrow (27:35.1/45th) were the final two finishers in the race for JWU.

JWU is next in action on Friday, September 11th when they participate in the Queen City Invite at McAlpine Creek Park in Charlotte.