Sept. 17, 2005
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The Auburn men's and women's cross country teams began the 2005 season on a good note Saturday at the Florida State Invitational. The men's team placed second out of 17 teams in the 8K, while the women finished fourth out of 19 teams in the 5K. For the women, senior Angela Homan won the individual title with a time of 17:38.25.
"We ran pretty well for the first meet of the year," coach Peter Watson said. "We still have a lot of work to do, but it is a good step in the right direction toward getting us to where we want to be."
In the event held at Miccoskukee Greenway Park, Homan picked up the ninth victory of her career. Homan has now won five consecutive regular season events dating back to the 2003 season.
"Angela ran away from everyone," Watson said. "She handled the event pretty easily against a couple of NCAA qualifiers."
The men's team scored 49 points and finished 23 points behind host and first-place team Florida State. The Tigers placed four of seven runners in the top 15, led by senior Andrew Heath, who finished second with a time of 24:53.00. Following closely behind Heath was sophomore Chris Walsh, who placed fourth with a time of 25:08.71. Florida State senior Andrew Lemoncello won the individual title with a time of 24:39.51.
Juniors Patrick Philbin and Patrick Mouser placed 13th and 14th, respectively. Senior Clay Askew was Auburn's fifth runner across the line, finishing 16th. Also competing for the men were seniors Alan Burnie, Joey Giattino and Matt Tillman and sophomores Jordan Davis and Elliot Smith.
On the women's side, Auburn scored 122 points, two behind third-place Georgia Tech. Florida State ran away with the women's title, scoring 33 points, 60 points more than second-place Texas A&M.
Sophomore Megan Karl was the second Tiger across the finish line, finishing 24th. Senior Dawn Morgan finished 26th. Also competing for the women were juniors Denise Daughenbaugh and Alayne Thompson and sophomores Becca Bell, Jessica Smith and Laura Steele.
Auburn returns to action Oct. 1 in Bethlehem, Pa. at the Paul Short Invitational. For all the latest news in Auburn cross country, please visit www.auburntigers.com.
Collegiate Cross Country
Florida State Invitational
Tallahassee, Fla.
Miccoskukee Greenway Park
Men's Results (8K)
Team Results (Top 10): 1. Florida State, 26; 2. Auburn, 49; 3. Texas A&M, 65; 4. Florida Southern, 128; 5. Central Florida, 136; 6. Georgia Tech, 169; 7. North Florida, 212; 8. Florida A&M, 240; 9. Troy, 255; 10. Univ. of Tampa, 297.
Auburn Individuals: 2. Andrew Heath; 4. Chris Walsh; 13. Patrick Philbin; 14. Matt Tillman; 16. Clay Askew; 23. Jordan Davis; 28. Joey Giattino; 33. Alan Burnie; 44. Elliot Smith; 54. Matt Tillman.
Women's Results (5K)
Team Results (Top 10): 1. Florida State, 33; 2. Texas A&M, 93; 3. Georgia Tech, 120; 4. Auburn, 122; 5. Clemson, 156; 6. Florida Atlantic, 163; 7. Florida Southern, 164; 8. North Florida, 187; 9. Univ. of Tampa, 209; 10. Central Florida, 280.
Auburn Individuals: 1. Angela Homan; 24. Megan Karl; 26. Dawn Morgan; 41. Jessica Smith; 46. Becca Bell; 63. Alayne Thompson; 93. Laura Steele; Denise Daughenbaugh.