POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – Fairfield University Men's Cross Country began the 2023 campaign on Saturday morning at Vassar Farm in Poughkeepsie for the Marist Season Opener. Olli Muniz led the Stags in his collegiate debut, finishing the 6K course in 20:39.2.
 
Muniz placed 48th overall in a field of 91 runners. He was followed 11 seconds later by fellow rookie Kenny Power in 56th, with Alex Petersen and Colin Shand right behind him in 58th and 59th place, respectively.
 
The next group of Stags to cross the line was led by Ryan Lindley in 64th, Chase Orciuch in 65th and Jack Putnam in 66th.
 
As a unit, the Stags placed seventh of eight teams. Perennial MAAC powerhouse Iona won the meet handily with the Gaels accounting for the top four finishers – led by individual meet champion Aiden Coles with a winning pace of 18:59.6. Host Marist and Siena completed the top three squads.
 
Up next, the Stags will head to Montgomery, N.Y. and Twin Ponds on the Farm – the site of the 2023 MAAC Championship – for the Jasper Fall XC Invitational. The meet is set for Saturday, Sept. 16.