HARDEEVILLE, Sc. - The Dalton State cross country teams had a strong day on Saturday in the Sand Shark Invitational, hosted by the University of South Carolina-Beaufort in Hardeeville, SC. The women's team finished a solid 5th while the men came home in 6th. The women's race comprised of 27 teams and the men's race had 23 teams competing.
All-American Emily Poole led the way for the Dalton State women, while also setting her personal best time this season of 17:43, good for 4th overall.
She was followed in scoring by Natalie Hensley in 23rd with a time of 19:07. Mallory Edwards set a personal best time of 19:25 to place 37th. Gloria Pascual (19:38) and Ana Karen Padilla (19:58) came home in 45th and 50th respectively.
The men's team was led by fab freshman Ryan Gebelein. Gebelein finished the course in 26:07 to bring home 18th place. Sophomore Cole Thornton (26:26) followed in 25th. Freshman David Murillo continues to impress coaches as he crossed the line in 36th with a time of 26:36. Rounding out scoring for the Roadrunners was Saddoth Fraire (27:01) in 52nd and Devin Swafford (27:30) in 70th.
"I am proud of both teams this week," said DS cross country coach Margie Bruner. "They are peaking at just the right time. The men are working together and are very supportive of each other. Each runner on the women's team had a personal record for this season with Emily breaking 18 minutes for the first time. Both teams are optimistic about the conference meet in two weeks and are prepared to do whatever they need to do."
The next meet for the Dalton State men's and women's cross country teams will be the Southern States Athletic Conference Championships at Grove Level North Park in Varnell, GA. on Friday, November 4. The women will kick the event off at 8:00 a.m., with the men following at 9:15 a.m. Admission is free and the community is encouraged to attend and cheer on the Roadrunners.