UT Martin
Memphis Twilight Classic
SKYHAWK CROSS COUNTRY SQUADS OPEN 2018 SEASON ON POSITIVE NOTE AT TWILIGHT CLASSIC
9/2/2018 3:32:00 PM | Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin cross country team officially opened its 2018 slate with a strong showing at the Brooks Memphis Twilight XC Classic on Saturday evening.
The regionally ranked squads were impressive in their debut on the four-mile course at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex. Featuring a unique running experience under the lights, the women's race began at 9:20 p.m. before the men's competition at 10 p.m.
The men's squad entered the meet ranked 12th in the South Region and lived up to the billing, notching a third place finish as a team behind Memphis and Missouri. Leading the way for the Skyhawks was junior standout Ryan Ford who posted a fifth place finish while setting a new four-mile record with a time of 20:21.36. Newcomer Oisin O'Gailin, also ran under the previous program record (20:58) while asserting himself on the Skyhawks squad at 20:48.88 to finish 12th. Daniel Smith, Marcos Macias, Lenny Baumann and Tim Dye rounded out our scoring five with an excellent pack.
"On the men's side, this evening's race reinforced our belief that this team is ready for the next level," UT Martin head coach Peter Dalton said. "Ryan's record setting leadership, along with a strong pack of men, bodes well. Lastly, we have a couple more talented men that are ready to make a contribution and with a full-strength team, we are confident in the squad's ability."
The women's squad also entered the meet ranked 15th regionally, paced by newcomer Alexis Grandys who ranked as the top women's finisher for the Skyhawk. Grandys clocked in at 18:44.32 for a solid top-20 finish at 17th in the women's 5k. Freshman Breanna Roy also ran well in her first race in a Skyhawk uniform at 19:01.64 for 24th place. Summer Pierson, Marie Vandormael and Agok Ayuen rounded out the scoring five with solid finishes.
"On the ladies side, I can't tell you how proud I was," Dalton said. "We are down a few ladies from a full team because of minor injuries. With it being the first race, we decided to be cautious with two ladies and ensure they are fit and healthy, when the time matters, later this season. For both squads, we will now prepare for a major block of training as the pivotal races approach."
UT Martin will take a week off before returning to racing in the Stegemoller Classic National Preview in Evansville, Ind. on Friday, Sept. 14.
Players Mentioned
