GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The LSU men's and women's cross country teams posted solid performances while opening their 2013 season this Saturday at Florida’s Mountain Dew Invitational held at Mark Bostic Golf Course.
Their season-opening race served as a preview to the SEC Championship, which will be held at the same course.
“When I ask my team to train harder, that’s what we need to do to be competitive with other teams around the nation,” said cross country coach Khadevis Robinson after the meet. “This week we are going to put some work in and go to the next race. We are going to use every race in preparation to go to conference and give our best performance at conference.”
The men finished eighth out of 26 teams and were led by junior runner Philip Primeaux, who posted a time of 25 minutes, 41.64 seconds for 35th place in the 8k race.
“It was a golf course, so the short grass and good packed ground helped me run fast,” Primeaux explained. “It wasn’t too hilly and that’s where the SEC Championship will be held. I think it’s a fine course. I think the best thing about running a course before going to a championship is being able to get an idea of the landmarks, of where you are in the race.”
Other top finishers for the Tigers include junior William Wiesler in 55th place at 26:17.57 and sophomore Travis Pope in 60th place at 26:26.83.
On the women's side, sophomore Andria Aguilar was the 20th overall runner to finish. Her team-best time of 22:15.69 boosted the Lady Tigers to a team finish of 10th place out of 24 teams.
“We’ve been doing a lot more core exercises, going out in the weight room and putting in miles over the summer,” Aguilar said. “Everybody really stepped up. Our second girl to finish [Jenna Walker] was a freshman and she did really well.”
The Tigers and Lady Tigers return to action in Baton Rouge to host the LSU Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 21. The meet will take place at Highland Road Park. The women's 6k will begin at 8:05 a.m. CDT and the men’s 8k will begin at 9:15 a.m.
Follow the LSU men's and women's cross country teams on Twitter by following @LSUTrackField and on Facebook by liking LSU Track & Field.
TEAM RESULTS
Men (Top 10)
1. Florida – 33
2. Auburn – 50
3. Tennessee – 55
4. North Florida – 143
4. Florida Gulf Coast – 143
6. Miami – 159
7. Florida A&M – 205
8. LSU – 207
9. FAU – 265
10. South Florida – 279
Women (Top 10)
1. Tennessee – 71
1. Auburn – 71
3. Florida – 76
4. South Carolina – 109
5. South Florida – 154
6. North Florida – 166
7. UCF – 198
8. FAU – 212
9. Florida A&M – 225
10. LSU – 246
INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
Men (Winner and LSU only)
1. Jimmy Clark (Florida) 23:53.78; 35. Philip Primeaux 25:41.64; 55. William Wiesler 26:17.57; 60. Travis Pope 26:26.83; 91. Joseph St. Cyr 27:10.16; 92. Philip Dempsey 27:10.84; 99. Bryan Mutell 27:18.44; 112. Aaron Koenck 27:31.99; 155. Buck Baker 28:57.16; 171. Kevin Kirchner 29:28.83.
Women (Winner and LSU only)
1. Kelly Perzanowski (Florida Gulf Coast) 20:45.06; 20. Andria Aguilar 22:15.69; 71. Jenna Walker 23:26.13; 85. Morgan Schuetz 23:53.81; 93. Chaiss Matthews 23:58.40; 94. Ashley Welbourn 23:58.49; 107. Meghan Charbonnet 24:22.05; 144. Danielle Avery 25:18.00; 146. Michelle Mobley 25:23.26; 166. Kate Stevenson 25:46.19.
