Sept. 4, 2010
TROY, Ala. -- The Auburn men's cross country team opened its 2010 season with a win at the Troy Invitational Saturday. The Tigers scored 35 team points to take the win in the 5K race, while the women finished in second-place in the two-mile race after taking the top individual spots.
"It was a very good first competition," head coach Mark Carroll said. "It's always good to start the season off with a win."
Troy and Alabama State finished in second and third place behind Auburn in the men's race, while Troy's women took the team title and Alabama State finished third.
Juniors Jeff Sanders and Joby Peake led the way for the Tigers running season opening best times. Sanders ran 16 minutes, 8.91 seconds to finish third, and Peake was right behind in 16:26.93 to finish fourth.
"We had some very good individual performances today," Carroll said. "Jeff and Joby stepped up for us since we didn't run Ben (Cheruiyot) or Colin (Barker). To win without two of our top guys puts the men's team at a good place to start the season."
Senior Stephanie Barnes opened her final cross country season winning the individual two-mile title in 11:28.54, while freshman Elizabeth Briasco opened her Auburn career with a 12:07.34 second-place finish.
"Stephanie and Elizabeth had very good runs today," Carroll added. "Elizabeth's second-place finish as a freshman is a great way to start off her collegiate career."
Allison Smith ran 12:13.28 to finish fourth overall, as Elaina Turley and Erika Kolakowski finish in 17th and 16th respectively.
"It was a very good way to start the season, and helps us get ready for the Crimson Classic," Carroll said. "We performed very well today while holding out key runners on both teams."
Auburn cross country returns to action Sept. 18 at the Crimson Classic in Tuscaloosa, Ala.