RADFORD EXCELS AT BIG SOUTH CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

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MEN'S RESULTS | WOMEN'S RESULTS

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Despite less than ideal weather conditions, Radford delivered impressive performances Saturday at the Big South cross country championships hosted by Gardner-Webb at its on-campus course. It was a monumental day for the Highlanders as the women placed third, while the men captured fourth in their respective team races.

"I am overwhelmed by the incredible efforts from our men's and women's squads," a jubilant head coach Mackenzie Wartenberger said. "This was a record-setting day for us, but more importantly, they all raced with the passion and spirit I have come to expect from this amazing group. This was a complete team effort today. I am so thankful for our athletic trainers, amazing student assistants, my staff, especially director Brent Chumbley, and most importantly, our dedicated student-athletes. Days like today are the reason why I coach."

For the first time since 1990, the Radford women recorded a top-three finish at the conference meet. In the lead pack for the Highlanders was Teresa Williamson, who placed fourth at 18:01.37 to become the second Highlander since 2009 to earn all-conference honors in back-to-back years. She also finished fourth at the 2013 championship.

In addition to her athletic achievement, the senior nursing major was selected the Big South scholar-athlete of the year for women's cross country following the race.

It only got better for RU as Katie Hickey finished eighth in the race to give the Highlanders their second all-conference performer of the day. Hickey's 18:49.44 allowed Radford to have multiple all-conference runners at the same meet for the first time since 2000.

Madeline Thomas was the next Highlander to cross the line, placing 16^th with her 19:07.14 effort. Malina Richardson (19:24.83 / 24^th), Courtney Rice (19:34.03 / 29^th) and Courtney Burton (20:30.44 / 51^st) rounded out the Radford scoring.

High Point won the women's 5K race with its 67 points, which were six clear of runner-up Liberty's 73. The Highlanders concluded with 81 points, which were two ahead of fourth-place Campbell. Coastal Carolina rounded out the top-five with its 87 points.

Liberty's Jacy Christiansen won the individual title on the women's side, clocking a 17:37.64 to edge Campbell's Joan Maritim by 10 seconds.

Not to be outdone, the Radford men recorded their highest finish at the conference championship since 2007. A trio of Highlanders finished inside the top-30, led by Chaz Porter. The junior stopped the watch in 27:03.30 to place 27^th.

Matthew Farmer (27:10.20) and Brady Guertin (27:12.30) were right behind, finishing 28^th and 29^th, respectively. Harrison Murn (27:30.70 / 34^th) and Jacob Black (27:36.20 / 35^th) completed the RU scoring.

Led by three of its runners in the top-five, High Point ran away with the men's 8K race, accumulating 27 points. Nine-time defending champion Liberty was next with 52 points, followed by Campbell (75) and Radford (141). UNC Asheville took fifth with its 156 points.

The Panthers' Jeff LaCoste reached the finish line in 24:59.30 to claim a 5-second victory over Campbell's Jacob Kipserem in the individual chase.

Radford returns to action Friday, Nov. 7 at the Hokie Open hosted by Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. It will be the final race for the Highlanders before they head to Louisville, Ky. for the NCAA Southeast Regional Championships the following week.

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