Hurricanes Set Personal-Bests at Great American
Oct. 2, 2009
Men’s Results | Women’s Results
CARY, N.C. – The University of Miami cross country teams set a total of six personal-best times at the Great American Cross Country Festival in Cary, N.C., Friday afternoon at the Wake Med Complex.
The men’s team saw four members of its team reach personal-best marks with junior Charles Michel once again leading the charge with a time of 25:57 in the 8k race. For the third consecutive week, senior Julio Bonilla was the second finisher for the Hurricanes. Bonilla recorded a new P.R. at 26:24, while freshman Greg Kaczka and sophomore Matthew Wilson both ran personal-bests at 26:36 and 27:44 respectively. Austin Rector also scored for the `Canes finishing with a time of 28.37.
As a team the men placed 11th with 249 points. The individual champion was Alex Lundy of Maryland and Duke took the team title with 41 points.
“I am very proud of the men today,” said assistant cross country coach Damon Griffiths. “Charlie, Julio, Greg and Matt all ran over 30 seconds personal-bests. We will continue to get stronger in the next two meets, heading into ACC’s.”
For the third time this season, Janet Price was the top-finisher for the women, with a personal-best time of 19:15 on the 5k course. Only two spots behind Price was Katharine Woodard who crossed the line in 19:20. Anna Bona and Emma Steppe finished consecutively at 19:49 and 19:50. Rounding out the scoring for the Hurricanes was junior Caitlin Knapp who finished at 20:17.
“The women also ran a strong race today,” added Griffiths. “Janet and Katharine ran huge personal-bests. It was great to preview the course that we will be running at the conference championships and to have a good outing.”
Overall the women finished in fifth place with a total of 164 points. The team title went to Maryland and the individual champion was Maryland’s Kristen Reed.
Miami will return to action Saturday, Oct. 10 when they travel to Orlando to participate in the Walt Disney World Invitational.
