WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (9/12/2026) - The Nichols College men's and women's cross country teams opened the 2026 season Saturday morning at the University of Hartford XC Invitational, with the Bison combining for eight competitors across the men's 5K and women's 3K races.

On the men's side, Patrick Bergin led the way for Nichols, placing 49th overall in 17:46.4. Bergin's season-opening performance was also marked as a personal best. He was followed closely by junior Chad Moffat, who crossed the finish line 56th in 17:59.1, also recording a personal best.

The Bison's five scoring runners were rounded out by a trio of freshmen making their collegiate debuts. Alexander Drown finished 100th in 20:31.1, while Samuel Kelley placed 103rd in 20:48.6 and Kymani Bailey was 112th in 22:45.1.

Freshman Xavier Cavanaugh also made his collegiate debut, finishing 117th overall with a time of 24:08.7.

With Bergin, Moffat, Drown, Kelley and Bailey comprising the five-man scoring lineup, Nichols finished the men's race with 420 points.

In the women's 3K, junior Lixion Koulmbai paced the Bison with a 13:34.5 finish, placing 53rd overall. Freshman Chaselyn Flaherty followed in 77th at 15:37.1, making her collegiate debut.

The Hartford Invitational provided Nichols with an opportunity to begin the 2026 campaign with a mix of veteran leadership and new faces, as Bergin and Moffat each established personal bests while five Bison freshmen opened their collegiate careers.

MEN'S 5K
49. Patrick Bergin-17:46.4 PB
56. Chad Moffat-17:59.1 PB
100. Alexander Drown-20:31.1
103. Samuel Kelley-20:48.6
112. Kymani Bailey-22:45.1
117. Xavier Cavanaugh-24:08.7

WOMEN'S 3K
53. Lixion Koulmbai-13:34.5
77. Chaselyn Flaherty-15:37.1