Sept. 30, 2006

Results Gallery

CINCINNATI, Ohio -- Xavier University men's and women's cross country teams capped off a couple days of great high altitude training by competing in the fourth oldest cross country invitational in the country, the Rocky Mountain Shootout hosted by the University of Colorado. Xaiver's men's side turned in a 14th place finish in a field of 16 making their record 29-58,3-2 (A-10. The women recorded an eighth place finish in a field of 17 bringing their record to 51-36,5-0 (A-10). The University of Colorado claimed high honors for both the men and women.

Six nationally ranked teams participated in the event including: Colorado, Colorado State, Adams State, Western State, Fort Lewis and Colorado University at Colorado Springs. Adams State is currently the No. 1 men's and women's team for Division II.

"Our Men's & Women's team ran tremendous races today under very unique racing conditions," said head coach, Steve Nester. "There is nothing to prepare you for competing at over one mile above sea level. There is a reason why most of the top American distance runners live and train in Colorado. Over time, there is a distinct advantage training and racing in these conditions."

The Xavier men's squad was once again led by junior Ben Milroy who finished 57th in a field of 153 in 28:13. Sophomore Clinton Womack had a standout performance today claiming the No. 2 spot on the men's side for the first time ever with his time of 28:14. Womack was followed by sophomore Luke Beuerlein at 30:03. Rounding out the men's squad was sophomore Aaron Smith at 30:36 and junior Matt Weingardt at 30:53.

"Three of our men really had breakthrough races," said Nester. "Sophomore Clinton Womack ran a great race today. This is the first time he has been the #2 runner on our squad. In addition, sophomore Aaron Smith and junior Captain Matt Weingardt had their best races of the season."

Senior Kelly Sraj set the pace for the women's side finishing 37th in a field of 140 at 23:36. Sophomore Becky Clark quickly followed Sraj turning in a 39th place finish at 23:47. XU's No. 3 runner was junior Amanda Brown at 23:55, followed by freshman Kelsey Flaherty at 24:22. Rounding out the women's squad was freshman Danielle Meiners at 24:47.

"Senior Kelly Sraj has improved dramatically over her four years at Xavier. She takes a tremendous amount of pride in her running," said Nester. "I am equally excited about how much sophomore Becky Clark and junior Amanda Brown continues to improve each meet. Freshman Kelsey Flaherty ran her best collegiate race as our #4 runner. Freshman Danielle Meiners was our fifth runner despite being sick most of the week."

The Xavier University cross country teams will return to action on Saturday, October 14 at the Bowling Green Invitational in Bowling Green, Ohio.