ANDERSON, S.C. – Following a layoff of nearly two weeks, the Anderson University men's and women's cross country teams are set to compete at the first-ever Newberry College Invitational, late Friday afternoon.
The Wolves are hosting the event at the Newberry College Cross Country Course, which is featuring its first home meet in program history, with the course described as "all grass and rolling hills." The women's 5K race is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start, while the men's 8K is slated to start at 4:45 p.m.
The Trojan women, who are receiving votes in the latest National Coaches Poll, won their second title in as many outings at North Georgia with four runners finishing in the top-seven spots. In the process, AU snapped the host Nighthawks' streak of three straight team titles behind senior standout Olivia Rish's runner-up finish.
Freshman Faith Nelson finished in fourth place, while senior Hannah Beach posted a personal-best en route to a sixth-place finish. Fellow freshmen Elise Matthews and Emily Golden finished seventh and 10th, respectively, while newcomer Madison Crumley crossed the finish line in 15th. Classmate Elizabeth Timberlake claimed 17th.
With runners capturing four of the top-5 spots, the Trojan men also powered to a win two weeks ago in the mountains of north Georgia. Senior Ben Clark finished as runner-up, while leading the Trojans for the second consecutive outing. Fellow senior Philip Quillen finished third, while junior Thomas Sutcliffe claimed fourth place.
Junior Brandon Wilson was fifth, with sophomore Michael Burgess finishing seventh. Freshman Jonathan Roberts crossed the finish line in ninth place, with senior Matthew Burgess claiming 17th place.
No spectators will be allowed at the site due to coronavirus restrictions.
