CHICAGO - Running in muddy conditions at the Lakefront Invitational, the men's cross country team had another solid performance, taking fourth out of 39 teams. The women's squad, which sent its "B" team to the event, also ran well, taking 10th in a 34-team field.

Junior Elisha Kipchumba (Nairobi, Kenya) led the way for the men again, finishing eighth overall on the 8K course in a time of 25:30. He was followed by junior Chris Wall (Centerville, OH), who took 22nd in 25:50, while sophomore Jonathan DeWitt (Akron, OH) completed the course in 26:07, which was 36th. Senior Ken Samoei (Kapsabet, Kenya) ran in 26:26 to place 45th, while junior Barnabas Kiprotich (Eldoret, Kenya) ran in 26:36 and finished 61st.

"I am proud of our men's performance today," said head coach Kevin Hadsell. "The conditions were very tough. I think that they are in a position to finish in the top-four at the MAC meet."

Kipchumba and Wall have been the top-two runners in each of the team's first three events this year.

Leading the way for the women was senior Dagna Sztykiel (Bytom, Poland), who placed 33rd overall on the 5K course in 18:57. Sztykiel, an NCAA Regional qualifier in the steeplechase last spring, was competing for the first time this fall. Sophomore Joni Camp (Sterling, OH) completed the course in 19:09, and was followed by sophomore Liza Cholin (Oregon, OH) in 19:27, junior Jenna Fausey (Minster, OH) in 19:33, freshman Hannah Evans (Lakewood, OH) in 19:38, and sophomore Danielle Thomas (Perrysburg, OH) in 19:44.

"The women ran well and gained some experience," Hadsell said. "It was also important for our top-nine to get three weeks of training. For us to run our 'B' team and finish 10th is impressive. That group we ran today can be a mid-level MAC team on their own. Things are definitely looking up for us this season."

Both teams will take next week off before competing at the Pre-NCAA Invitational Saturday, Oct. 17 in Terre Haute, IN.

Contact: Scott Miles
scott.miles@utoledo.edu