Oct. 6, 2007

Memphis, Tenn. - The Shorter College men's and women's cross country teams continued their upward climb as they competed in the Memphis Twilight on Oct. 6, the largest night-time cross country meet in the nation. 1,689 runners representing 201 teams finished Saturday night's races, which ranged in age from middle school to college.

Out of the 42 teams competing in the men's competition, the Shorter Hawks placed 15th, beating out all other NAIA schools at the race, including Xavier Unviersity, Campbellsville University and the University of the Cumberlands. They also placed higher than 11 NCAA Division I schools.

Jerad Godsave was the highest finisher for the men, with 25:33.58 for a 42nd place finish. The rest of the Hawks were: Marc Burgess (88th - 26:38.06), Cyrus Wakaba (90th - 26:38.93), Dustin Mitchell (148th - 27:30.52), Andrew Rodriguez (174th - 27:59.28), Brenton Widener (176th - 28:00.59), Steven Rich (189th - 28:10.98) and Josh Carson (200th - 28.28:80).

The women also performed well, placing 21st out of the 41 participating teams, including NAIA's Union University, Bethel College and Xavier.

Magrina Chepkoech was the highest finisher for the women, with 19:10.99 for a 33rd place finish. The rest of the Lady Hawks were: Amy Worthy (102nd - 20:05.09), Julie Frayre (149th - 20:55.89), Kaitlin Shaw (160th - 21:04.22), Dawn Siddons (236th - 22:35.43), Courtney Pike (251st - 23:25.72), Rachel Tucker (264th - 23:58.24) and Allison Holmes (283rd - 24:59.96).

Both teams will travel to the Southeast Classic in Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 20 in preparation for the NAIA Region XIII Championship at Berry College on Nov. 3.