Oct. 27, 2007
Lexington, Ky. - The Auburn men's and women's teams each took sixth place at the SEC Cross Country Championships in Lexington hosted by the University of Kentucky. The Tigers also had two runners selected to the All-SEC teams.
"We certainly came a long way from our 10th and 11th place finishes last year," said Auburn head coach Peter Watson. "I am very happy with our progress. This is a great sign of where our program is headed."
The men's team ran nine competitors and had four top 50 finishes, while the women's team ran seven competitors and also had four top 50 finishes.
Sophomore Felix Kiboiywo was the top runner for the men finishing sixth overall with a 24:14.68, beating his best 8K time of the season. Kiboiywo's efforts earned him a first team All-SEC selection.
"Felix got it started early," Watson said. "He raced to win today."
Senior Patrick Philbin finished 28th in 25:15.67. Sophomore Scott Novack and freshman Joby Peake finished 42nd and 47th, respectively. Novack also ran his best 8K of the season.
"Scott really stepped up and showed that he can run an 8K at this level," Watson said.
Also competing for the Tigers were junior Chase Oliver, sophomores Mark Fleming and Simon Nyang, and freshmen Charles Mitchell and James Grantham. Fleming finished 53rd followed by Fleming, 68th, Mitchell, 95th, Nyang, 96th and Grantham, 97th.
Hollie Knight finished in the top spot for the AU women's team. The freshman finished 11th overall with a time of 21:18.75, her best 6K time of the season. Knight's efforts earned her an All-SEC second team nod.
"I am very pleased with Hollie's efforts today." Watson said. "For a freshman to stick in there and grind it out like that shows a lot."
Sophomore Sabrina Fischer narrowly missed an SEC nod, finishing 17th with a time of 21:30.54. Sophomore Laurel Pritchard came in 35th running a 21:59.07, followed by Amber Riley finishing 45th at 22:22.23. Freshman Allison Smith finished 81st, followed by sophomore Katelyn Simpson finishing 84th.
"To say that we are content with our result today would not do justice to where this program is headed, but I am very excited about how this program is progressing, and I am very proud of both teams' efforts," Watson said.
The University of Arkansas was the overall winner for both the men's and women's race. Emmanuel Bor of Alabama took first in the men's 8K with a time of 23:50.45. Sarah Madebach of Georgia finished in the top spot for the women with a time of 20:49.11.
The Tigers will be back in action Nov. 10 to compete in the NCAA South Regional held in Gainesville, Fla.