Completed Event: Cross Country at George Kyte Classic on September 2, 2026 , , M: 4th of 5 | W: 2nd of 5
XC
at George Kyte Classic
M: 4th of 5 | W: 2nd of 5
Grand Canyon University Athletics
Wednesday, September 2
Flagstaff, Ariz. / Buffalo Park
Grand Canyon
at
George Kyte Classic
Photo by: Josh Cale
Lopes start season strong in Flagstaff
9/2/2026 7:35:00 PM | Cross Country
Velazquez, Gabrielson lead GCU at George Kyte Classic
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Grand Canyon cross country opened its season at the George Kyte Classic with the women's team finishing second and the men's team placing fourth in Flagstaff.
On the women's side, the Lopes were able to secure their best finish in a meet since 2019.
GCU sophomore Isabella Velazquez led the way in the 2.5-mile race, crossing the finish line in 15 minutes, 36.47 seconds. Sophomore June Zimmerman was the Lopes' second finisher with a time of 15:47.0.
"I put in a lot of work over the summer," Velasquez said. "A lot of early mornings out in the summer heat in Arizona helped me lock in."
One thing that is undeniable, even just one meet in, is the culture this team has made.
"This season is different," Velasquez said. "The girls are connecting so good and something I am so grateful to be a part of."
GCU also received strong performances from a pair of freshmen who were making their collegiate debuts. Irelyn Kennedy finished in 15:53.5, while Meredith Richter followed closely at 15:56.8.
Junior veteran Grace Scott rounded out GCU's top five with a time of 16:21.0, helping the Lopes secure a second-place team finish behind powerhouse host Northern Arizona.
On the men's side, the GCU newcomers were able to shine in their debuts in Flagstaff.
Freshman Trent Gabrielson paced the Lopes in the 4-mile race with a time of 23:20.4 with fellow freshman Micah Newkirk close behind at 23:26.7.
"I felt like I was just at home," said Gabrielson, a native of Loveland, Colorado. "I was nervous the whole time, but all the support helped me push through."
Sophomore Archie Budding was the third Lope across the line in 23:53.3, followed by junior Jack Sindt at 23:56.8. Senior Ethan Smith completed GCU's top five with a time of 24:18.2.
The season-opening meet featured contributions from throughout the Lopes' roster, including four freshmen among GCU's two groups of top-five finishers in the races.
The Lopes will take a week off to reset before heading to Riverside, California, for the Riverside Invitational.
Â
On the women's side, the Lopes were able to secure their best finish in a meet since 2019.
GCU sophomore Isabella Velazquez led the way in the 2.5-mile race, crossing the finish line in 15 minutes, 36.47 seconds. Sophomore June Zimmerman was the Lopes' second finisher with a time of 15:47.0.
"I put in a lot of work over the summer," Velasquez said. "A lot of early mornings out in the summer heat in Arizona helped me lock in."
One thing that is undeniable, even just one meet in, is the culture this team has made.
"This season is different," Velasquez said. "The girls are connecting so good and something I am so grateful to be a part of."
GCU also received strong performances from a pair of freshmen who were making their collegiate debuts. Irelyn Kennedy finished in 15:53.5, while Meredith Richter followed closely at 15:56.8.
Junior veteran Grace Scott rounded out GCU's top five with a time of 16:21.0, helping the Lopes secure a second-place team finish behind powerhouse host Northern Arizona.
On the men's side, the GCU newcomers were able to shine in their debuts in Flagstaff.
Freshman Trent Gabrielson paced the Lopes in the 4-mile race with a time of 23:20.4 with fellow freshman Micah Newkirk close behind at 23:26.7.
"I felt like I was just at home," said Gabrielson, a native of Loveland, Colorado. "I was nervous the whole time, but all the support helped me push through."
Sophomore Archie Budding was the third Lope across the line in 23:53.3, followed by junior Jack Sindt at 23:56.8. Senior Ethan Smith completed GCU's top five with a time of 24:18.2.
The season-opening meet featured contributions from throughout the Lopes' roster, including four freshmen among GCU's two groups of top-five finishers in the races.
The Lopes will take a week off to reset before heading to Riverside, California, for the Riverside Invitational.
Â
Players Mentioned
DIS
/ Cross Country
DIS
/ Cross Country
DIS
/ Cross Country
DIS
/ Cross Country
DIS
/ Cross Country
DIS
/ Cross Country
DIS
/ Cross Country
DIS
/ Cross Country
DIS
/ Cross Country
DIS
/ Cross CountrySaturday, August 29
Thursday, August 27
Monday, August 24
Sunday, August 23