Hesslau & Grossman Lead at South Regional
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gabrielle Hesslau and Sean Grossman paced the University of Miami cross country team at the 2016 NCAA South Regional on Friday morning.
The Hurricanes had 10 student-athletes compete at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, but Hesslau was the standout in the women’s 6K, while Grossman was the top Cane in the men’s 10K.
“I feel that we ran solid races on both sides,” Miami distance coach Damon Griffiths said. “They grew up as runners this season. Now they have to continue to want more from themselves and their teammates between now and the track season.”
Hesslau closed out her Hurricanes cross country stint with the best race of her career. The redshirt junior placed 41st with a personal-best 6K time of 21:18.2. Hesslau, who already ranked third in the women’s 6K in school history, shaved 16 seconds off her previous career best while leading the women’s team in Tallahassee.
“Gabrielle ran the best race of her career today,” Griffiths said. “She has been the benchmark for the women’s distance program over the past three seasons.”
Anne Den Otter (22:26.5) and Mulloy Manning (23:26.6) rounded out Miami’s top three finishers, while Carla Rodriguez and Sarah Raboff completed a Hurricanes team that placed 25th with 638 points.
“Anne and Mulloy ran well today,” Griffiths said. “With four returners getting experience today, they will be have leg up on next season.”
Grossman earned a top 50 finish in the men’s 10K, placing 48th with a personal-best time of 31:53.6. The junior’s time ranks 6th in the men’s 10K in Miami history.
Seniors Jon Keller (32:59.6) and Nick Kaleel (33:55.3) finished second and third, respectively, among the Hurricane men, while Sean Hagert and Michael Miano also ran for a Miami men’s team that finished 19th with 501 points.
“Sean’s race today showed how much he has improved in one year,” Griffiths said. “And both Jon and Nick ran solid efforts.”
Miami Lineups
Men: Sean Grossman, Nick Kaleel, Jon Keller, Michael Miano, Sean Hagert
Women: Anne Den Otter, Gabrielle Hesslau, Mulloy Manning, Sarah Raboff, Carla Rodriguez
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