DILLON, Mont. – The University of Providence cross country team kicked off their season Monday morning with a handful of runners participating in the Frontier Conference Preview in Dillon, Mont.

Nash Grafe was the fastest finisher for the Argos, coming in at 22^nd place with a time of 25:05.9. Ciaran Molloy finished 27^th with a time of 29:35.2, while Abian Jamerson finished 39^th at 32:42.0.

"I thought Nash, Ciaran and Abian all competed very well," head coach Tony Arntson said. "They all have good starting points for the season. Nash is healthy for the first time in a long time. I thought Ciaran competed very well for running five miles for the first time in his life competitively. I'm very happy with them all."

On the women's side, Doreen Koech finished 29^th with a time of 22:36.6 while Angie Sletten finished 39^th at a mark of 28:00.6.

"Doreen got off to a great start," Arntson said. "She's in the best shape that I've seen her since she's been here. She ran a solid time. She has a chance to get more competitive as the season gets going. I expect the same from Angie as the season rolls on."

The meet marks the first time the Argo cross country team has competed in two years. The Argos did not compete last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"You could tell all these teams competed last year," Arntson said. "Our kids are basically two years out of competition. This is a tough conference. This is as good of a conference as there is in cross country. I expect us to be more competitive as the season progresses."

The Argos will have a short turnaround, as the team will compete again this Saturday at the MSU Cross Country Classic in Bozeman, Mont.

"We want to run our best race at the conference championship," Arntson said. "That's how we're going to prepare ourselves. We're building and now the kids have a race under their belt. Obviously we'll look to build and see some improvement next weekend."