Monday, November 15, 2004

(Nov. 13, 2004) - East Tennessee State had four women and two men compete as individuals in the NCAA South Regional Cross Country Championships, hosted by the University of Alabama from Harry Pritchard Golf Course in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

            Junior Christine Ward (Candler, N.C.) paced the Buccaneer women in the 6K race, finishing 76^th with a time of 22:59. Freshman MacKenzie LaBonte (Port Charlotte, Fla.) was the second Buccaneer finisher, coming in 111^th in a time of 23:53. Sophomore Maggie Hunter (Roanoke, Va.) ran a 24:14 to finish 123^rd while senior Jennifer Habbestad (Tampa, Fla.) crossed the line in 24:15 to finish 124^th.

            Alabama sophomore Angela Homan won the individual championship in a time of 20:25. Chattanooga's Shannon Wommack finished second in a time of 20:27.

            "It was a great run for all of our girls," said ETSU assistant cross country coach Michelle Byrne. "With three of these four girls returning next year, we have a really positive outlook for the team."

            Junior Peter Dalton (Dublin, Ireland) capped a successful season by finishing 64^th in the men's 10K race in a time of 32:15. Freshman Jordan Ladd (Lyn, Ontario) placed 74^th with a time of 32:36.

            "Peter would have liked to have been further up in the field, but it was a good experience for both of them," commented ETSU head cross country coach Dave Walker.

            University of Florida senior Steve Zieminski took home the individual championship in 29:35 while teammate Henok Lechebo finished second in a time of 29:36.38.   

Men's Results: NCAA South Regionals (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) - 10K

64. Peter Dalton (Jr.), 32:15

74. Jordan Ladd (Fr.), 32:36

Women's Results: NCAA South Regionals (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) - 6K

76. Christine Ward (Jr.), 22:59

111. MacKenzie LaBonte (Fr.), 23:53

123. Maggie Hunter (So.), 24:14

124. Jennifer Habbestad (Sr.), 24:15