Pezzulo Sets School Record at NCAA Regional
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Miami cross country program had five student-athletes turn in record times at the 2013 NCAA South Regional.
The Canes sent eight student-athletes to run in the South Regional in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The South Region is made up of schools from Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee.
“I am very pleased with the efforts today against the region’s best runners,” Miami distance coach Damon Griffiths said.
Sean Pezzulo set a University of Miami record in the men’s 10K, running a time of 31:29.61. The senior, who placed 54th in a field of 173, surpassed Alex Brutvan’s time of 31:41.90 set at the Chile Pepper Invitational in 2005. Pezzulo jumped up nine spots on Miami’s all-time list after ranking 10th with a time of 32:45.00 set at the 2012 NCAA South Regional.
“Sean had to battle back from injuries during the season,” Griffiths said. “That makes today’s performance even sweeter.”
Seniors Luke Fontaine, JaCee Jarnagin and Jonas Frenzel also turned in times that placed them among the best in Miami history. Fontaine’s time of 31:51.46 places him fourth among men’s 10K times in Hurricanes history. Jarnagin’s time of 32:10.59 ranks seventh and Frenzel’s time of 32:20.96 is tenth best in school history.
“Luke, JaCee and Jonas ran tough the entire race,” Griffiths said.
Pezzulo, Fontaine, Jarnagin and Frenzel were not the only Canes to run record times on Friday. Lindsi Arrington shined as Miami’s lone women’s representative. The senior placed 46th in the women’s 6K with a time of 21:15.53. Arrington, who already ranked second on Miami’s women’s 6K list with a time of 21:32.16, shaved over 16 seconds off her previous time.
“Lindsi ran another PR today and I am very proud of what she has accomplished over the past four years,” Griffiths said.
Freshman Jon Keller, junior AJ Ricketts and sophomore Kevin Marsh rounded our the seven-man group that helped Miami’s men place 19th out of 26 teams at the 2013 NCAA South Regional.
“Today was a great way to end the season, but this group has bigger goals set for the future,” Griffiths said.
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