Mississippi State
Mississippi State Invitational
MSU Wins Both Men's And Women's Titles At Bulldog Invitaitonal
September 17, 2011 | Cross Country
Both the men's and women's teams navigated the Jimmy Taylor Cross Country Course perfectly to claim victories, with the men earning 20 points and the women posting 15 points in their victory. MSU also dominated the Top 10, with the women claiming eight out of 10 spots, while the men took six of the 10.
"Today was probably the best race we've run as a team," coach Houston Franks said. "I am happy about the improvement. We have some young groups, and they are really learning to race as a team."
Haley Greenwell defended her Bulldog Invitational title, as she ran 17:48.77 to collect the victory. The Lady Bulldogs claimed the Top 6 spots, with Renee Masterson (18:07.24) in second, Anna Jarman with a personal best 18:25.03 in third, Jodie McGuff (18:32.84), who also ran a personal best, in fourth, Emma Neigel with a personal best 18:39.20 in fifth and Madeline Takahashi placing sixth with her personal best time of 18:50.96.
"I'm happy with myself, as well as the team," Greenwell stated. "Today was a great way to show our school, Starkville and the whole state how hard we've been working."
"I'm so excited to be a part of something great," said Masterson. "I came to Mississippi State with a young team and it seems every year we are building on previous success. I think we are the best we've ever been."
Cameron Vernier was the top finisher for the Bulldogs, as he placed third with a personal best 25:36.70. Juan Sanchez (25:39.70) followed Vernier across the line in fourth. Rounding out the Top 10 for the Bulldogs was John Valentine (25:40.34) in fifth, Philip Johnson (25:42.75) in sixth, Nathan Lewis with a personal best 25:43.48 in seventh and Carter Hewitt, who finished eighth with a personal best 25:44.99.
"We really helped each other to stay strong throughout the tough parts of the race," Verneir commented. "Everyone improved across the board to give us a good start to the season."
"As a team we did great," added Sanchez. "It felt really good to hear everyone's name called as they crossed the finish line."
MSU has the next two weeks off to celebrate their sweep and prepare for their next meet. On September 30, the teams will travel to Bethlehem, Penn., for the Paul Short Invitational.
Complete Results
Men's Team Points
1. MISSISSIPPI STATE 20
2. LSU 46
3. West Alabama 82
Medalist: Cullen Doody, LSU, 25:23.42
Mississippi State: 3. Cameron Vernier, 25:36.70; 4. Juan Sanchez, 25:39.67; 5. John Valentine, 25:40.34; 6. Philip Johnson, 25:42.75; 7. Nathan Lewis, 25:43.48; 8. Carter Hewitt, 25:44.99; 11. Julian Duarte, 26:12.24; 12. Mike Clark, 26:15.28; 13. Jacob Fuller, 26:25.11; 14. Jorge Villarreal, 26:37.12; 15. Connor Denison, 26:37.62; 19. Andrew Harwell, 26:50.60; 21. Henry Li, 27:00.44
Women's Team Points
1. MISSISSIPPI STATE 15
2. LSU 55
3. Blue Mountain 94
Medalist: Haley Greenwell, MSU, 17:48.77
Mississippi State: 2. Renee Masterson, 18:07.24; 3. Anna Jarman, 18:25.03; 4. Jodie McGuff, 18:32.84; 5. Emma Neigel, 18:39.20; 6. Madeline Takahashi, 18:50.96; 8. Katie Huston, 19:00.58; 9. Dominique Lockhart, 19:03.36; 12. Carmen Brothers, 19:13.52; 13. Adrianna Poole, 19:23.17; 14. Dianna Eddingtom, 19:23.75; 21. Christina Coleman, 20:13.35; 22. Katelyn Walker, 20:20.24; 23. Chelsea Rae Smyth, 20:29.70
