Dourado Leads Cross Country at UF

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Miami cross country program closed out the opening month of the 2014 season at the Mountain Dew Invitational.

The Hurricanes hit the course at the Mark Bostic Golf Course on Florida’s campus early in the morning with the men’s 8K starting at 7:55 a.m. and the women’s 5K starting at 8:30 a.m. The men’s team placed sixth in the 8K with 166 points, while the women finished 14th with 428 points.

“We had several personal bests today on both sides,” Miami distance coach Damon Griffiths said. “Now that we are past the halfway point of the season, we have to continue to get better in the early stages of the race.”

Senior Douglas Dourado was Miami’s top finisher on the men’s side, crossing the finish line in 25:51.65. He was followed by sophomore Jon Keller (25:57.71) and junior Kevin Marsh (26:34.27) to round out Miami’s top three times. Senior JaCee Jarnagin, freshman Sean Grossman and senior AJ Ricketts rounded out the group of Hurricanes competing in Gainesville Saturday.

“For Doug and Jon to break the 26-minute barrier was huge for their confidence.” Griffiths said. “They have been putting the work and finally reaped the results.”

Frida Carlsson was the top Hurricane on the women’s side. The sophomore finished the 5K in 19:34.34, while freshman Mulloy Manning crossed the finish line shortly thereafter, finishing in 20:14.06. Senior Julia Koch rounded out Miami’s top 3, finishing in 20:19.12. Kelly Williamson, Janine Depree and Kaitlin Hill also competed for the Canes in the women’s 5K.

“Frida has continued to improve each week,” Griffiths said.

Miami will race again on Oct. 4, traveling to Bethlehem, Pa., to compete in the Paul Short Run.

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