KENOSHA, Wis. — The Carthage men's cross country team opened the 2025 season on Friday evening at the Vic Godfrey Open, hosted by Wis-Parkside. The Firebirds raced to a third-place team finish in the eight-team field, highlighted by a first-place individual finish from senior Jacob Curulewski.
 

 
Carthage tallied 87 points to secure third place with a total time of 1:38:07. Marquette won the meet with 25 points, while Wis-Parkside placed second with 57 points. Winona State (99) and the Wisconsin Track Club (127) rounded out the top five.
 

 
Curulewski led the Firebirds with a commanding performance, winning the 6K race in 18:41.3 to finish one second ahead of the runner-up. The victory marked his first collegiate win in cross country. Sophomore Harlan Matson joined him in the top 10, crossing the line in 19:06.0 for an eighth-place finish.
Junior Luke Davey placed 22nd overall in 19:55.1, followed by senior Chad Helmke (31st, 20:09.5) and freshman Tom Johnston (32nd, 20:15.2) to complete the scoring five.



The Firebirds' depth proved critical, as their third through fifth runners held off Division II squad Winona State in a close team battle for third place. Carthage stayed ahead of the Warriors by just 12 points to secure the podium finish.


 
"It's great to start the season with Jacob earning his first collegiate win, which really reflects the work he's put in over the past three years and sets him up for a remarkable senior season," said Head Coach Josh Henry. "He and Harlan ran very well against top Division I and II competition, and while we'll need our 3-5 to close the gap on our number two, the depth of our young pack is encouraging. Our freshmen are already stepping up, and that makes the future bright for this season and beyond."
 

 
The Firebirds return to action on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Concordia Wis. Ken Weidt Classic in Mequon, Wisconsin. The men's race is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. For more information, visit athletics.carthage.edu.