Eagles' Cross-Country Teams Turn in Another Impressive Finish at UNG Invitational
OAKWOOD, Ga. – The Eagles’ cross-country teams continue an impressive start to the 2023 season at the UNG Invitational, as the C-N men finish 4th, and the women finish 2nd.
OAKWOOD, Ga. – The Eagles' cross-country teams continue an impressive start to the 2023 season at the UNG Invitational, as the C-N men finish 4th, and the women finish 2nd.
On the men's side, Colten Lee followed his performance in the SAC Preview, resulting in a SAC Runner of the Week selection with another 2nd place finish on Friday evening. Lee finished the 8k with a time of 25:18.9.
"Colten had another nice finish in a stronger field," interim head coach Whit Lee said. "He was poised and fearless today."
Raymond Brugmans became the 2nd Eagle to cross the finish line, finishing in 31st at 23:48.4. Bryson Burkett shortly followed, coming in 34th at 27:55.3. Cooper Carr ran in his first collegiate race, finishing 44th at 28:16.0. Trent Lovelace placed right behind Carr at 45th. Five Eagles finished with personal records on the day.
"Some of our guys took advantage of the fast course," Lee said. "Strong 5th miles from Raymond and Trent made a difference in our scoring."
For the women, Katie Smock delivered another stellar performance, this time in the 5k, coming in 6th at 18:13.7. Jenna Pittman finished right outside the top 10 at 11th, coming in at a time of 18:42.7.
"Katie is running with so much confidence right now," Lee said. "I was really impressed with Jenna Pittman today... I liked seeing her aggressiveness early in the race."
More Eagles followed, with Peyton Couch finishing in 15th, Imke Van Gog at 19th, McKenna Spaulding at 21st, and Maggie Hope at 31st. Like the men, the women had five runners finish with personal records.
"Our ladies fought tooth and nail for that result," Lee said. "Gritty performances from our runners were huge for us."
The Eagles look to take their early season momentum into the ASICS Invitational on Sept. 30th in Fairburn, Ga.
