The SCU cross country teams officially started its season on a foggy morning in Golden Gate Park. The women's team finished in fifth place and the men were sixth at the USF Invitational.  Many of the top returners sat out the meet and continued to prepare for the rest of the season. Both the women's and men's teams will race next week at the Sacramento State Hornet Invitational. However, the team's won't run at full strength until the Stanford Invitational on September 24th.

"It was an opportunity for the newcomers to experience the collegiate race atmosphere and for a few returners to get back into racing" said Bronco head coach Felipe Montoro.

 

Leading the way for the Bronco women's team was freshman Mary Kriege. Kreige crossed the line in 13th place in a time of 18:47.

"Mary ran great, she went out very controlled and moved up through the field the entire race. It was a great start to her SCU career," commented Montoro. 

Rounding out the top seven were: freshman Kelly Ryan, 19:32, sophomore Jamie Anderson, 19:40, sophomore Kayla Germany, 19:54 and sophomore Lauren Germany, 19:54, freshman Audrey Hiatt, 19:58 and freshman Amia Nash, 20:11.

 

Youth also led the way for the men's team. Freshman-redshirt Peter Stephens finished the race in 36th place, running 26:45.

"I was really pleased to see Peter lead the team today. He has improved tremendously since last year and is only getting better," said Montoro.

Following Stephens in the top seven were: freshman Tony Ferrari, 26:45, freshman Sean Roe, 26:53, sophomore Ezana Tesfu 27:12, senior Nhunguyen Le 27:17, senior Matt Savage 27:22 and junior Travis Pederson, 27:28.