Lions’ Cross Country Finish Strong in 2010 SSC Championships

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By Katie David, Staff Writer

Both the men’s and women’s cross country teams closed out their seasons November 6, 2010 at the Sunshine State Conference Championships at Wickham Parkin Melbourne, Fl. Both teams finished better than in 2009. The women’s team finished fourth out of six teams while the men’s team finished fifth out of six teams. The conference championship focuses more on the order of finish rather than the time posted.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the women’s team for stepping it up and competing for finish places, not just time. They made it a race from the start and at midway around the backstretch of the lake with the wind, they continued to be strong and that is what made the difference,” said head coach Melissa Miller-Mangen.

Freshman newcomer, Andrea Maxwell finished in an impressive seventh place overall, earning a top ten finish for the Lions. This finish guaranteed her a spot on the 2010 All-SSC Championship team. Maxwell now holds the Saint Leo University 6Krace record with a time of 22:32.29.

The women’s Cross Country team warming up before their race, photo by Mike Carlson

The race was freezing! But like always we pushed through and gave it our all. We had such a strong race not only as individuals but as a team and I could not have been more happy, and proud of us!” said sophomore Mariah Moss.

Moss finished the race with a time of 25:18.74 improving her time by a remarkable 31 seconds.

Similarly, the eight members of the women’s team all recorded personal best times in the 6K race. Senior Alison Luthman finished her four year career with Saint Leo Cross Country by setting a personal best of 23:53.67 in her 6K race.

On the men’s side, five of the eight members posted personal best times in the 8K race. Freshman Brian Haynes led the Lions as the first finisher for Saint Leo University, with a personal best time of 27:50.08. Junior Mike Berry followed Haynes, showing the SSC Championships and his team that his increased training has paid off. Berry finished with a time of 27:55.08, placing him nine spots higher than previously in 2009. Senior Matt Attal finished his career with a time of 29:58.16in his 8K race.

“The men’s team proved to hold their ground as a team and improved on their individual performances recently set on this course in early September… I look forward to what the men can do next year,” added Coach Miller-Mangen.

Team Scores

Women: