Salyer Takes Fifth As Falcons Compete At Toledo Rocket Opener

FINAL RESULTS - MEN (.htm)   ----   FINAL RESULTS - WOMEN (.htm)   ----   PHOTO GALLERY

TOLEDO, Ohio -- The Bowling Green State University cross country teams began the 2011-12 season, the first under head coach Lou Snelling, when they competed on Friday evening (Sept. 2) at the Toledo Rocket Opener.

The men's race took place first, and junior Jason Salyer led all Falcon runners by finishing the 5000 meters in 15:46.50.  Salyer earned fifth place with that mark.  Greg Black (16:41.80) and Josh Franek (16:44.60) also crossed the finish line among the top 20 runners.

Falcon freshman Kevin Budge, running unattached, placed 14th after completing the course in 16:24.70.

Five members of the women's team competed in the first race of the season.  That group was led by senior Saisha Gailliard.  Gailliard ran the 5000 meters in 21:16.50 and finished in 30th place.  Seven members of BGSU's 2011 freshman class ran unattached, and three ended up in the top 20.  Those runners were led by Andrea Alt, who placed seventh thanks to a time of 18:51.90.

Snelling said, "With the large number of (BGSU) athletes that ran unattached today, the team results didn't reflect it, but potential for the future was clear."

Bowling Green competed against runners from Eastern Michigan and Toledo.  In the team competition, the defending Mid-American Conference champions won each race.  EMU finished first on the men's side with 28 points, while Toledo scored 21 points to win the women's race.

BGSU placed third in both races.

The Falcons' next competition occurs on Friday, Sept. 30th in Cedarville, Ohio at the 2011 All-Ohio Championships.