Nov. 1, 2008

C-USA Championship Individual Men's Results PDF

C-USA Championship Team Men's Results PDF

C-USA Championship Women's Individual Results PDF

C-USA Championship Women's Team Results PDF

MEMPHIS, TENN. - The University of Memphis women's cross country team placed 12th today in competition and the men's tema placed seventh at the C-USA Cross Country Championships. The championship race was hosted by the University of Memphis at Mike Rose Soccer Complex.

The women's 5000 meter race at 10:00 a.m. was the first race of the day and featured twelve team from East Carolina, Houston, Marshall, Memphis, Rice, SMU Southern Miss, Tulane, Tulsa, UAB, UCF and UTEP.

"Both men's and women's teams ran as well today as we have all year," said distance coach Toby Reep. "That is a credit to C-USA and the phenomenal athletes that are a part of this conference. This is such a high level of competition. This is one of the best conferences in the country when it comes to distance running and cross country."

Senior Emily Malinowski was the first Memphis runner to cross the finish line. She placed 67th out of a field of 91 runners with a time of 20:24. Freshman Jasmine Darden was the second runner to finish for the Lady Tigers as she placed 70th with a time of 20:35.

"Our team did not do as well as we would have liked today," said head coach Kevin Robinson. "We're not happy with where we are at, but the attitude is good and we're going to head back to the track and now begin to prepare for indoor and outdoor championships."

The men's 8000 meter race was the second race of the day at 11:00 a.m. featuring teams from ECU, Houston, Marshall, Memphis, Rice, Tulane, Tulsa, and UTEP. Sophomore Edwin Kipkorir was the first finisher for the Tigers checking in with a time of 26:11 and in the 23rd spot in a field of 58 runners. Jacob Chapman was the next finisher for the men's team clocking in at 26:29 and placing in 27th position.

"We have a lot of work to do to be at a level to compete with these teams at this elite level, said Reep. "We take another step now into indoor and then outdoor track and then prepare for cross country next year."

The University of Memphis played host today for the 12 team C-USA Championship meet. Many U of M athletic department personnel as well as several volunteers from the Memphis community helped to make sure the championship was a success.

"Everyone did a phenomenal job helping to host this meet," said Robinson. "From Associate A.D. Compliance SWA for Memphis Lynn Parkes, to the volunteer officials and runners club we had an overwhelming amount of individuals to come out in support of the program and in support of the championship. I felt like it was nothing but success."

The 2008 season for the Memphis cross country team finished today with the completion of the C-USA Championships, but the team will also be participating in Memphis' indoor track and field season this winter.