AU Runners Keep Improving
September 28, 2003

It’s early in the cross country season – at this point in the campaign teams are still rounding into form. Based on the way the AU men and women ran Saturday (Sept. 28) at the Wooster Invitational, it appears as if the Eagles are taking shape right on schedule.

The Eagles won the men’s team title with 19 points. That easily led the eight-team field. The host Scots (57) were second and Denison (79) was third. The 8K race was held at the L.C. Boles Memorial Golf Club.

AU claimed six of the seven top spots in the race and placed seven runners in the Top 10. First place went to Nate Iler in 26:55. Wooster’s Brendan Callahan (27:12) was second. AU’s Evan Thomas (27;14) was third, Andy Alexander (27:18) was fourth, Jesse Montagnese (27:25) was fifth, Mike Synk (27:43) claimed sixth place and the seventh spot went to Joe Soehnlen (27:48).

Bart Smith rounded out the Eagles’ Top 10 finishers, coming home ninth (27:58).

The Eagle women were second out of nine teams. Only Denison, with 25 points, placed ahead of AU (39).

Denison’s Elaine Binkley was first on the 5,000 meter course in 19:31. Sherri Trent posted the Eagles’ best finish, coming in fifth (19:57). Erin Stauffer (20:03) was sixth, Jess Fleming (20:10) was seventh and Lisa Nell (20:19) was ninth.

The Eagles’ next competition will be the All-Ohio Championships on Oct. 10.