Cross Country opens with strong performances by men and women

September 9, 2006

KIRKLAND, Wash. -Evergreen's Men's and Women's Cross Country teams competed in the Northwest University Invitational at Bridle Trails State Park today. Both teams had finishers in the top five and the men's team placed 2nd overall.

Kelly Beckham (21:17), a freshman from Redmond , WA was the first Geoduck across the line in the women's race at 3 rd place overall. She was followed closely by teammate Emily Uhlig (21:31) who was 4th . The course, probably longer than the 5k it was announced to be, produced slow times but good competition in the four team event.

The women's race was won in 20:27 by Kjerstein Bailey, a 2005 National Championships qualifier for Northwest University .

Evergreen competed with just four athletes in the early season opener. Kelsey Blair finished and Amanda Kirklin finished 10th and 14 th overall respectively.

Geoduck freshman Brian Rakestraw ( Woodinville , WA ) lead the men's team in the 7k race with his 4 th place finish overall posting a time of 24:35. He was a scant 4 seconds behind the first place finisher Tim Badley of Concordia University . Sophomore Miguel Pineda finished 6th overall in 25:01.

The men's team finished 2nd overall behind Concordia. The remaining scorers for Evergreen were James Hudson, Jason McConnell and Graeme Paulsen.

Next on the schedule for Evergreen is the Sundodger Invitational hosted by the University of Washington on September 16th .

Scores

Women's 5k

Northwest University 17

Concordia University 40

Evergreen NS

Everett CC NS

Men's 7k

Concordia University 22

Evergreen 50

Northwest University 73

Everett CC 78