Bulldogs Run To Third-Place Finishes
September 27, 2008 | Cross Country
GREENVILLE, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb men's and women's cross country teams each posted third-place finishes Saturday morning at the Pirate Cross Country Invitational.
The men's squad was led by rookie Nick Kelly, who finished just
outside the top 10 in 11th. Kelly posted the team's top
time by crossing in 27:55.
Five spots behind Kelly was Tim Israel, who recorded a time of
29:32 over the 8k course. Senior Justin Keziah was 18th
with a solid time of 29:43. Just 18 seconds behind Keziah and
ending up in 19th was Charlie Steinke, who was back for
just the first time after recovering from an injury.
Newcomer Jacob Hoyle rounded out the top 20 by posting a time of
30:08. Fellow first-year Red and Black runner Jacob Hoyle garnered
21st place after ending with a mark of 30:15.
Head coach Brian Baker's team finished third overall behind NC
State and East Carolina. The Bulldogs notched 84 total points in
the competitive field.
Carrie Minard was GWU's top finisher on the women's side of the
field. Minard finished the 5k course in a mere 19:38, which was
good enough for 12th place. Senior Beth Long's time of
20:27 was a personal best. Her top time meant a
16th-place finish.
Long's teammate, Laura Scott, was just behind her as she took
17th with a time of 20:31. Sophomore Diana Palka,
Rebecca Silleman and Elizabeth Glunk rounded out the top 20. Palka
was 18th with a time of 20:39, Silleman was
19th with a time of 20:43 and Glunk was 20th
in a time of 21:20. Senior Bree Tharpe's time of 21:42 was good
enough for 21st. Allye Littrell rounded out the GWU
runners after recording a time of 21:58.
The women's squad was third with 82 points at the meet, finishing
behind NC State and East Carolina.
GWU now has a couple of weeks off before returning to action at the
Blue Ridge Open on Oct. 17. The meet, which is hosted by
Appalachian State, is the last tune-up before the Bulldogs prepare
for the Big South Conference meet on Nov. 1.
