Davidson men tie for team title; women third at Eye Opener Invitational
Three Davidson runners placed in the Top 10, led by junior Demetrios Pagonis' fifth-place finish, to lead the Wildcats men's cross country team to a tie with Clemson at 47 points for the overall team title at the season-opening Eye Opener Invitational hosted by USC Upstate at the Milliken Research Center.
Pagonis completed the 8K course in 25:58, just over a minute off the pace set by race winner Gilbert Kemboi (USC Upstate, 24:52). Clemson placed three runners in the Top Eight, but Davidson swept positions nine through 12 for the tie.
Senior Ian Tupper was the second Wildcat to cross the finish line placing ninth in 26:13. Classmate Ryan Hopkins rounded out the Top 10 in 26:23. Junior Wes Reynolds (11th, 26:26) and freshman Henry Falotco (12th, 26:28) were close behind to round out the Davidson scoring group. Freshman Chris Repecki placed 15th (26:41) and sophomore Andrew Lantz was 19th (26:49).
A total of 18 teams participated, with Davidson placing ahead of Southern Conference foes Furman (third, 62 points), College of Charleston (ninth, 260 points) and Wofford (16th, 447 points.)
Weather delays hampered the race, as it was barely completed before nightfall.
Davidson will return to action Friday, Sept. 16 at the Clemson Invitational.
Junior Natalie Atabek and freshman Erin Osment turned in a pair of top-10 performances to lead the Davidson Wildcat women's cross country team to a third-place team finish in the season opener at the USC Upstate Eye Opener Friday night in Spartanburg, S.C.
Atabek paced the Wildcats with a ninth-place time of 18:22, followed immediately by Osment (18:26), who finished 10th in her collegiate debut.
The duo, along with freshman Sarah Paddon (22nd, 19:35), sophomore Megan Mavity (23rd, 19:42) and freshman Manya Swick (30th, 20:00), led the Wildcats to a third-place finish in the field of 20.
"Finishing in the top three is a great way to start the season," head coach Jen Straub said. "Running in the guys race caused a few of our girls to burn out at the end, but overall I am extremely pleased with how we ran! Natalie and Erin gave us a great one-two punch, and we have a lot to build on from this race."
SoCon foe Furman won the meet on the women's side, paced by senior Erin Barker (third, 17:58), followed by Clemson. Davidson finished just ahead of cross-county rival Charlotte and host USC Upstate, as well as SoCon foes College of Charleston (6th) and Wofford (10th).
The Wildcats will return to action on September 16 at the Clemson Invitational.
Furman women win Eye Opener Invitational; Men finish third
The Furman cross country teams opened the 2011 season Friday night at the Eye Opener Meet in Spartanburg, S.C. The Paladins won the women's meet with a score of 51 points, edging out Clemson by four points, while the men's team scored 62 points for a third place finish. Clemson won the men's meet with a score of 47 points.
On the women's 5K course, senior Erin Barker placed third to lead the Paladins with a time of 17:58. Freshman Sinead Haughey finished sixth with a time of 18:12, followed by senior Brooke Mosteller in 17th place, also with a time of 18:12. Senior Chloe Kowalski took 15th place at 19:02, while sophomore Erika Shaver rounded out the Furman scorers with a time of 19:24 for 20th place. Sophomore Allison Davey placed 24th with a time of 19:45, and freshman Emily Zizzi notched a 27th place finish after turning in a time of 19:48.
Senior Lee Gilmer led the Furman men's team, placing third with a time of 25:51 on the 8K course, followed by junior Wilkerson Given in fourth place with a time of 25:56. Senior Chris Caldwell also turned in a top-10 finish, taking seventh place with a time of 26:07. Freshman Tripp Hurt recorded a 17th place finish at 26:48, while fellow rookie William Ivey completed the Paladin scorers after placing 31st with a time of 27:29. Sophomore Tyler Greathouse placed 41st with a time of 27:45, while senior John Miller recorded a 51st-place finish at 28:04.
Furman will compete at the Clemson Invitational on September 16.
Appalachian State men, women finish fourth at Covered Bridge Open
Appalachian State men's cross country started its 2011 campaign Friday night with a strong fourth-place performance at the Covered Bridge Open in Boone.
The Mountaineers were led by junior Alex Taylor, who placed fifth overall with a time of 25:50.70. Junior Will Raby crossed the finish line with a time of 26:10.60 to finish 13th overall. Junior Mike Lilley and sophomore Charles Wofford rounded out the meets top-25 placing 24th and 25th respectively.
Division II Southern Indiana grabbed the meet title with 42 points, followed by Florida State with 59 points and High Point 85 points to round out the top-three teams. The Seminoles' Seth Proctor led the meet with a time of 25:29.10.
Earlier this week, the Apps were tabbed 12th in the Southeast Region preseason poll by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
The Black and Gold have next weekend off and return to action Friday, September 16 for the Mountaineer Open in Boone.
Appalachian State women's cross country opened its season Friday night with a strong fourth place performance at the Covered Bridge Open in Boone.
The Mountaineers were led by junior Sarah Williamson , who finished 14th overall with a time of 19:16.1. Junior Amanda Hamilton and sophomore Kaitlyn Cagle rounded out ASU's top three placing 17th and 22nd respectively.
North Florida captured the meet title with 37 points, followed by Wake Forest with 74 points and Florida State "B" team with 89 points. Wake Forest's Nicole Irving finished first overall with a time of 18:23.80.
The Apps have next weekend off and return to action Friday, Septem ber 16 for the Mountaineer Open in Boone.