September 14, 2012

Islanders Cross Country Executes Rankings, Finishes Strong at Rice Invitational

MEN'S RESULTS | WOMEN'S RESULTS

HOUSTON – The Texas A&M – Corpus Christi men's and women's cross country teams had a strong night Friday at the 37th Annual Justin F. Cooper Memorial Rice Invitational on the campus of Rice University. The women's team placed third while the men's team clocked in a fourth-place finish.

"Both teams executed well tonight," Head Coach Shawn Flanagan said. "It was a tight race and as we saw the rankings were well deserved."

On the women's side, the Islanders, who are ranked No. 9 in the USTFCCCA Regional Rankings placed third with 123 points. The Islanders finished behind Texas A&M (42 points) and Rice (114 points) but ahead of Southland foes Stephen F. Austin (139 points), Sam Houston State (167 points), McNeese State (170 points) and Lamar (181 points). Senior BreAnna Briggs led the way for the women in 14th place with a 4k time of 13:17. The next three Islanders finished in the top 25. Vanessa Galindo (22) and Jasmine Boutte (23) both clocked a time of 13:32 and Cecilia Jones followed with a time of 13:37 to finish 25th. Shelby Polasek finished with a time of 14:05.

"The top four girls executed well and with a little more support we will be fine," Flanagan said.

On the men's side, the Islanders, who are ranked No. 6 in the USTFCCCA Regional Rankings placed fourth place with 88 points, three points behind Lamar and Rice with 85 points. Texas A&M took the top spot with 37 points. The Islanders finished in front of Southland foes McNeese State (93 points) and Sam Houston State (201 points). Senior Patrick Kimeli paced the men's team with a 6k time of 17:11. Right behind Kimeli was Philipp Baar in 14th place with a time of 17:12. Paul Hansel (23) clocked a time of 17:25 followed by Daniel Barlow (27) and Abel Koskey (28) with a time of 17:32.

"The top seven guys ran well," Flanagan said. "The men went out, got up front and stayed solid. This is one of the most complete men's teams that we have had."

The Islanders will return home to host the Islander Splash on Fri., Sept. 28 at West Guth Park. The women's 5km will begin at 6:20 p.m. followed by the men's 8km at 6:45 p.m.

For the latest information, follow Islanders Cross Country on Twitter (@IslandersTFXC) and Facebook (Texas A&M Corpus Christi Track & Field/Cross Country).

Women's 4k Run Team Scores:

1. Texas A&M 42

2. Rice 114

3. Texas A&M – Corpus Christi 123

4. Stephen F. Austin 139

5. Adidas TeamGreen 167

5. Sam Houston State 167

7. Trinity 168

8. McNeese State 170

9. Lamar 181

10. Texas State 207

11. Houston 245