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Cross Country Teams Open Season with Solid Results
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September 13, 1998
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The University of Virginia cross county teams began their 1998 season in the Lou Onesty Invitational held at Darden Towe Park. The men’s team finished second out of a 13 team field in the 8,000 meter event, while the women’s team placed third out of 14 teams in the 5,000 meter run.
The Virginia mens team was led by second-year runner Bob Thiele, who finished second overall (first for Virginia) with a time of 25:51.3. Thiele was followed by Matt Illian who placed ninth overall and second for UVa with a time of 26:25.8, and Rick Davis posted a 12th placed finish with a mark of 26:42.9. Damond Cromer (27:09.1) took 21st and Bill Palmer (27:16.8) placed 24th to round out UVas top finishes. Stephen Githuka of Liberty won the mens event with a time of 25:26.9.
The Virginia women’s team was highlighted by Jamie Sutherland who finished second overall (first for UVa) with a time of 17:41. Sutherland was followed by Ellen Dwyer, who captured ninth overall and second for UVa in her first collegiate event with a time of 18:28. Frances Warner posted a 12th place finish with a time of (18:33), while Dana Coons (18:52) took 16th and first-year runner Jess Thomas (19:02) placed 20th to round out Virginias top finishes. Janelle Kraus of Wake Forest won the womens event with a time of 17:34.
William and Mary won the mens competition with a team score of 41 points. The Tribe was followed by Virginia (62 points) and Florida State (117 points).
Wake Forest captured the womens competition with a team score of 32 points. The Demon Deacons were followed by William and Mary (37 points) and Virginia (59 points).
The cross country teams will return to action on Saturday, (Sept. 19) when Virginia hosts the 1998 Cavalier Invitational. The meet will be held at Darden Towe Park and is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.