COCKEYSVILLE, Md. – The Howard cross country program is off and running with Mohamed Bah leading the way. 

In the season opener, Bah crossed the finish line in at time of 16:37.1 for his first collegiate victory. He persevered in the last 50 meters to beat his high school teammate, who is also the top runner for Coppin State.

"I'm very excited to start the season off with a win," Bah said. "I'm thankful that all of the hard work that I put in this summer is beginning to pay off. Coach Harrison has high expectations for me this year and I'm hoping to have a great year."

On the women's side, rookie Alyssa Rischell made her debut as a Bison. "Alyssa is just getting a feel for cross country," said head coach Marc Harrison. "She played soccer in high school and was an elite runner in track. With this being her first meet, I think she did well. All of our ladies are gaining valuable experience by running this fall."

The men fell to Coppin State and Morgan State, while the women were bested by MSU and Towson. 

The Bison are off next week and will compete at the Virginia Union Invitational on Sept. 16 in Richmond, Va. where they will face Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) rival Hampton.