ANDERSON, S.C. - Led by Parks Edwards' 27th-place finish, the Anderson men's cross country team opened the season by finishing seventh at USC Upstate's 30th annual Eye Opener Invitational Friday night at Milliken Research Park adjacent to the Spartans' campus.
The Trojans' season-opener saw them compete against a field of 11 teams over the 8K distance, including Belmont Abbey, Brevard, King, Lenoir-Rhyne, Limestone, Mars Hill, Piedmont, Southern Wesleyan, Spartanburg Methodist, Wake Tech and Wingate.
""I was very pleased with both teams tonight," said Anderson head coach Randy Greer. "I think we ran about as well at this race as can be expected this time of year. Both teams ran smart, conservative races and we will continue to get better as the season goes on."
Edwards crossed the line in a time of 28:07.06, while freshman Ben Boerma garnered 34th in a time of 28:33.08. Another newcomer, freshman Jesse Patrick (28:54.53) notched 37th and freshman Ned Kennedy (29:12.50) claimed the 44th spot.
Freshman Thomas Garrigan (29:15.62) finished just behind in 45th. Westley Wilson (29:23.72) crossed the line in 49th and junior Joshua Visi-Clark (29:27.07) garnered 50th.
Following a two-week layoff, Anderson will get back on the course Sept. 21 at the Winthrop Invitational in Rock Hill, S.C.
