Grossman, Hesslau Lead XC at FSU Invitational
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The University of Miami cross country team saw returners Sean Grossman and Gabrielle Hesslau lead the Hurricanes at the 2015 FSU Invitational.
Grossman led the men’s team, who placed fourth with 104 points, while Hesslau was the top finisher on the women’s team that finished ninth with 195 points.
“There was better effort overall today in intensity,” Miami distance coach Damon Griffiths said.
Miami’s men saw strong showings from the sophomore Grossman, who placed ninth with a season-best time of 26:22.80 in the men’s 8K race. Junior Jon Keller also provided a spark for the men, finishing 12th with a time of 26:43.80. Senior Kevin Marsh was the third Hurricane to cross the finish line in Tallahassee, placing 21st with a season-best time of 27:25.30. Sean Hagert, Nick Kaleel and Luke Dublirer rounded out Miami’s men competing at the FSU Invitational.
“Sean and Jon had solid races and I was very pleased by Kevin’s effort today,” Griffiths said.
Hesslau continued her success for the Hurricanes women, finishing fifth with a time of 18:09.50. The junior has been Miami’s top female finisher in each of its three races so far in 2015. Freshman Anne Den Otter was the second-best Cane for the third consecutive race, finishing with a time of 19:32.90, while Mulloy Manning was the third Hurricane to finish the women’s 5K, crossing the finish line in 20:09.80. Carla Rodriguez, Andrea Harrah and Kelly Williamson also competed for the women in the FSU Invitational.
“We had a closer spread on the women’s side today,” Griffiths said. “Now we need to focus on being faster earlier in the race.”
Miami is back in action on Oct. 16 at the USF Invitational in Tampa, Fla. The meet will serve as the Hurricanes’ final race before the 2015 ACC Cross Country Championships on Oct. 30 in Tallahassee.
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