Sept. 2, 2017
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - Auburn cross country started off the 2017 season with a bang at the Golden Eagle Invitational as the men won the 6k and the women finished runner-up in the 5k.
"I was very pleased with how both teams competed," assistant cross country and track and field coach David Barnett said. "We had tough conditions with rain and wind, but the runners made the most of their opportunities today. I think we are in a great place right now and we're looking forward to the rest of the season."
The senior trio of Kevin Wyss (19:39.9), Wesley Curles (19.42.1) and Coleman Churitch (19:43.9) led the way for the men finishing 2-3-4 to give the Tigers 39 points. Fellow seniors Jay Spieler (20:17.3) and Mitchell Gomez (20:23.2) finished 14th and 16th respectively, while sophomore Andy Smith clocked a 20:43.2 to finish 24th.
On the women's side, sophomore Presley Weems, in her Auburn debut, ran a 19:39.4 to finish eighth with freshman Emily Mills finishing just behind in ninth at 19:42.3. Freshman Mercy Kiprop (20:03.2) finished 11th, Sophomore Cassie Bebout (20:15.7) finished 13th and freshman Louisa McPherson rounded out the Auburn contingent with a 20:38.8 to finish 16th.
The women tallied 52 points to finish runner-up behind Mississippi State.