Oct. 29, 2005
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Angela Homan's four-year career is decorated with numerous athletic and academic accomplishments, but none of her previous feats compare to what she accomplished Saturday at the 2005 SEC Championships. After winning the past two Southeastern Conference Championships, Homan made history on Saturday by becoming the second-ever three-time SEC cross country champion in women's history. Homan won the 6K held at Hilton Field at Fort Jackson Military Base in a career-best time of 19:40.00.
"Angela was phenomenal today," head coach Peter Watson said. "She was aggressive from the start and she was back to her old form. It is unbelievable and Angela has had just an amazing career. It is really phenomenal when you consider how long they've been having the SEC Cross Country Championships."
Homan was not the only bright spot for the Auburn at the SEC Championships, the men's team earned its second consecutive top-five finish in the conference, as the Tigers placed fifth in the 7900-meter race with 156 points after finishing fourth at the 2004 SEC Championships. The men's team was led by sophomore Chris Walsh, who finished 18th with a time of 23:58.21. It was the third straight meet that Walsh has paced the Tigers. Sophomore Jordan Davis was the second Tiger to cross the line, finishing 31st with a time of 24:26.19. Senior Andrew Heath finished 32nd with a time of 24:27.38. Also competing for the men were seniors Joey Giattino, Clay Askew and Matt Tillman and juniors Patrick Philbin and Patrick Mouser.
Arkansas won both the team and individual titles. As a team, the Razorbacks won their 15th straight SEC Championship, finishing with 23 points. Senior Josphat Boit defended his individual title in a time of 22:59.
Homan's victory wasn't enough to place the women in the top half of the SEC, as they finished ninth with 241 points. The second Tiger to cross the line was senior Dawn Morgan, who finished 57th in a time of 22:04.35. Also competing for the Tigers were juniors Denise Daughenbaugh and Alayne Thompson and sophomores Megan Karl, Becca Bell, Jessica Smith and Laura Steele.
The team title was won by Tennessee with 48 points. Homan won the individual title by six seconds over Felicia Guliford of Tennessee.
Homan's time of 19:40.00 topped her previous career-best time in the 6K of 20:25.83 at the 2004 South Regional.
Up next for the Tigers is the NCAA South Regional in Gainesville, Fla., on Nov. 12. For complete results, please visit www.auburntigers.com.
Collegiate Cross Country
SEC Championships
Columbia, S.C.
Hilton Field at Fort Jackson Military Base
Men's Results (7900-Meter)
Team Results: 1. Arkansas, 23; 2. Alabama, 73; 3. Florida, 87; 4. Tennessee, 93; 5. Auburn, 156; 6. Georgia, 158; 7. LSU, 199; 8. Mississippi St., 212; 9. Kentucky, 226; 10. Ole Miss, 297; 11. Vanderbilt, 325.
Auburn Individuals: 19. Chris Walsh, 23:58.21; 31. Jordan Davis, 24:26.19; 32. Andrew Heath, 24:27.38; 42. Patrick Philbin, 24:47.99; 44. Patrick Mouser, 24:48.72; 56. Matt Tillman, 25:10.77; 61. Clay Askew, 25:23.35; 72. Joey Giattino, 25:54.87.
Women's Results (6K)
Team Results: 1. Tennessee, 48; 2. Arkansas, 51; 3. Georgia, 87; 4. Kentucky, 116; 5. Florida, 137; 6. Mississippi State, 152; 7. Vanderbilt, 161; 8. Alabama, 190; 9. Auburn, 241; 10. LSU, 288; 11. South Carolina, 311; Ole Miss 359.
Auburn Individuals: 1. Angela Homan, 19:40.00; 56. Dawn Morgan, 21:59.57; 57. Megan Karl, 22:04.35; 70. Becca Bell, 22:29.04; 75. Jessica Smith, 22:43.67; 79. Laura Steele, 22:52.28; 87. Alayne Thompson, 23:20.98; 91. Denise Daughenbaugh, 23:25.38