FARNAN’S RUNNER-UP SHOWING HIGHLIGHTS ASHEVILLE XC CARNIVAL

MEN'S RESULTS | WOMEN'S RESULTS

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ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Paced by Ryan Farnan's second-place performance, the Radford men's cross country team placed third at the Asheville Cross Country Carnival held Saturday at Asheville Christian Academy.

Big South rival UNC Asheville swept both races as it edged Western Carolina by 10 points on the men's side and 59 points over Wofford on the women's side. In addition to a third-place finish in the men's race, the Highlanders concluded fifth in the women's race.

"I am pleased with our performance today," commented cross country coach Mackenzie Wartenberger. "Ryan ran really well today and our ladies established several personal bests. This race also allowed us to compete against a few of our conference rivals, and get a leg up on them."

On the men's side, the Bulldogs' top five runners finished in the top 11. Behind Asheville's winning total of 34 points was Western Carolina, which finished second with 44 points, while Radford checked in third with 71 points.

Farnan's pace of 18:58 on the 6K course was four seconds behind the Catamounts' Travis Alfaro (18:54). Alan Weaver was the next Highlander to finish, completing the distance in 19:53 to place 16th. Radford's Chris Weeks (19:58), Chaz Porter (20:02) and Thomas Keefe (20:03) took spots 19-21, respectively.

On the women's side, Melanie Kulesz finished in second place to help Asheville claim first place. The Bulldogs placed five in the top eight to finish with 25 points. Wofford captured second with 84 points, while Western Carolina took third with 88 points. Winthrop (103) and Radford (116) rounded out the top five.

Sam Hughes of Wofford took first place by running the 5K course at 18:21, followed by Kulesz's time of 18:32. Michelle Provost of WCU took third at 18:37.

Emily Marshall set a personal-best 5K time by crossing the line in 12th place at 19:21 to lead the Highlanders. Courtney Rice finished 23rd at 19:51, while Malina Richardson was 35th at 20:28. Madeline Thomas (20:36) and Katie Hickey (20:40 – PR) took 39th and 40th, respectively.

Both squads are back in action Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Big South Preview in Buena Vista, Va.

TEAM RESULTS

Men
1.   UNC Asheville (34)
2.   Western Carolina (44)
3.   Radford (71)
4.   Winthrop (134)
5.   Wofford (145)
6.   Lees-McRae (152)
7.   Gardner-Webb (192)
8.   Limestone (205)
9.   Charleston Southern (233)
10. Presbyterian (292)

Women
1.   UNC Asheville (25)
2.   Wofford (84)
3.   Western Carolina (88)
4.   Winthrop (103)
5.   Radford (116)
6.   Charleston Southern (122)
7.   Presbyterian (201)
8.   Gardner-Webb (214)
9.   Limestone (262)
10. Lees-McRae (303)

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