Oct. 14, 2006
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Nisha Kurian led the Georgia Tech women’s cross country team to their second straight victory, finishing the two mile Front Runner Invitational in 11:03 for second-place overall. David Herren also placed second overall, helping the men to a third-place finish on the Moccasin Bend course in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Kurian’s teammates Elena Linn and Mary Chind each finished in the top 10, placing fourth and fifth respectively. Linn crossed the line in 11:11 and Chind came in at 11:12. The Jackets Lindsey Pickens crossed the line 11th in 11:38 and was followed by four consecutive runners to help Tech place eight runners in the top-15 overall.
“The top-three girls had run very well for us today,” said Tech coach Alan Drosky. “We also had a very strong finish from the group of (Lindsey) Pickens, Carola Conces, Maria Hampton, Kiersten Petersen and Katina Zuganelis. This team has really come together and showed what it takes to win as a team, making improvements each week.”
Herren finished the 5K race with a personal-best time of 15:09, for a second-place finish overall and was the first collegiate finisher on the day. Herren was followed by Nazar Trilisky, who crossed the line in 12th place with a time of 15:49. Also placing in the top 20 for the Jackets were E.C. Gibbs (17th, 15:57) and Casey Gramling (19th, 16:04).
“(David) Herren ran exceptionally well, setting a new personal record on the 5K course,” said Drosky. “I am really happy with his performance week in and out. The guys behind him have made improvements. I am hoping that we can close the gap between Herren and the rest of the team next time out at the ACC meet.”
The Jackets will have the week off before heading to the Atlantic Coast Conference Championships on Saturday, October 28, in Charlottesville, Va.
