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10/14/2006 ELON, N.C. — The Vanderbilt women’s cross country team took second place in a field of 10 teams Friday at the Blue Ridge Invitational, while the men’s team placed third in a 14-team field. Paced by senior Brittany Sizer who took second overall by completing the five-kilometer women’s course in 18:05.7, the Commodore women placed three of the top 12 finishers and six of the top 30. “We got a good race from Brittany today as she continued her good form of the last couple of weeks,” said Head Coach Steven Keith. “She is now running at the front of races and learning how to compete for the win. She’ll use this experience as she prepares for a real battle at the SEC meet in two weeks.” Sophomore Amanda Scott took fifth overall for Vanderbilt in a time of 18:36.4. “Amanda really stepped up and had a very solid effort,” Keith said. “She has shown solid fitness recently in practice and translated it well to her race.” Junior Val Kazmer placed 12th overall for the Commodores in a time of 19:09.2, junior Julie Eckerly finished 23rd overall in 19:27, sophomore Carmen Mims finished 28th in 19:40.4 and sophomore Mindy Skelton finished 29th in 19:41.3. “The women had a couple of good races up front in Brittany and Amanda, and as we add in a couple of people who were missing today because of health issues we should be in good form for the SEC meet.” On the men’s side, freshman Thomas Davis led Vanderbilt with a 13th place finish overall, completing the 8-kilometer men’s course in 25:32.3. He was one of three Vanderbilt men to finish in the top 30. “Thomas really had a great race today,” Keith said. “As a freshman he has continued to be very competitive in his races and leading the team today is a good sign of his potential.” Senior Austin Weaver finished just behind Davis for Vanderbilt, taking 14th in a time of 25:35.5. Junior Austin Williamson took 20th in 25:53. “Overall, the men ran a good race but we still have work to do in positions four and five,” Keith said. “If they can step up a little we could surprise some teams at the SEC meet.” Sophomore Rob Whiting was the next best Vanderbilt finisher Friday, taking 40th in 26:34.1, while sophomore Michael Nordlund finished 56th in 27:08. “Everyone, and I mean everyone, will still have to raise their races to a high championship level for the SEC,” Keith said. “It is all about who has it on that day and our training and racing should put us in a good position for a solid effort.” TEAM RESULTS Women Men |
