APSU Sports Information
Chattanooga, TN – Austin Peay State University men’s and women’s cross country teams continued to make improvements in the second meet of the season, the Powerade Invite, at the Moccasin Bend Race Course.
The Governors men’s team finished fourth out of six competing schools, while the women claimed sixth of seven spots. Other universities competing in the event were Middle Tennessee, who won both events, Alabama, Chattanooga, Samford, Mercer and Alabama A&M.
For the men’s team, senior Daniel Hamm (16:12.42) and newcomer Hezron Kiptoo (16:14.50) were the group’s top finishers at 23rd and 24th, respectively.Just behind them, freshman Tyler Smith finished 30th with a mark of 16:29.96, while another newcomer Nash Young placed 38th (16:37.06).
Rounding out the list for APSU was Wesley Gray, 40th at 16:37.50, Kyle Harmon (55th, 17:41.74) and Andrew Abel (58th, 18:15.96).
The Govs finished ahead of a strong Samford team in the final standings, a positive sign for head coach Doug Molnar.
“The men ran as a team up front,” Molnar said. “We did a better job running as a team, and it was great to see Wesley (Gray) in his first meet coming off injury. We haven’t beaten Samford very often in school history, so that’s a nice win.”
On the women’s side, Rebecca Wheeler once again led the Govs, this time with a time of 12:38.33 – good for 31st spot. A few spots behind her were Sarah-Emily Woodward (12:43.51) and Sarah Carpenter (14:44.16), who finished 34th and 35th. Unjala Lester slotted in 43rd with a mark of 13:14.00, while Hanna Wise placed 73rd, 16:17.00.