Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Saint Francis (Pa.) Invitational
Bucknell Cross Country Eases By Saint Francis at Father Bede Invite
9/29/2012 8:00:00 AM | Men's Cross Country
Sept. 29, 2012
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Bucknell cross country cruised through the Father Bede Invitational, sweeping Saint Francis (Pa.) at Loretto, Pa., on Saturday morning. In addition to each of their team titles, the Bison received individual wins from D.J. Krystek and Deanna Godby. It was the first career victory for each.
The Bison men could hardly have been grouped any tighter at the finish line. While Krystek came away with the gold medal, John Dugan and Andrew Garcia-Garrison were right behind him. Krystek clocked in at 24:18.1 over the seven-kilometer race, while Dugan was second in 24:18.4 and Garcia-Garrison was third in 24:18.9. Michael McGowan and Charles Seigneur were fourth and fifth, respectively, also in close proximity to their teammates. McGowan finished in 24:19.0, just ahead of Seigneur's 24:19.2.
"We ran a very controlled race and packed well together," said head coach Kevin Donner after the race. "The course gave us a tremendous opportunity to run the hills and prepare us for leagues in one month. I was very pleased."The Bucknell men's squad took each of the first 14 places in the race and ultimately took top billing in the team standings with just 15 points. Saint Francis had 52 points, while the SFU Alumni had 74.
Bucknell's women were equally dominant, totaling 15 points as well and beating out the Red Flash, which finished with 50 points. The Bison claimed each of the first eight, and 14 of the first 15, places on Saturday.
Freshman Godby was the lead runner for the first time in her career, completing the 5K course in 19:41.5. She was followed directly by Caroline Tolli (19:43.0) and Katie Jessee (19:44.4). Tolli and Jessee have now been among the team's top three finishers in all three of their meets this season.
Rounding out the scoring for the Bison were Meghan Carroll (19:55.2) and Beth Braunegg (19:55.4) in fourth and fifth, respectively.
"We packed as a team very well for half the race, and our top three were able to hold it together very well for the second half of the race," said Donner of his women's squad. "We need to be able to hand hills better to be in a position to win a league meet, and this race was part of the process."
Bucknell has now won individual titles at the Father Bede in each of the last two years. Robert Yamnicky was the men's victor in 2011, while Betsy Edinger was the top placer on the women's side.
Bucknell will be idle next week then return to action on Oct. 13 for some split-squad competition. The Bison will race at the Pre-National Invitational in Louisville, Ky., and the Gettysburg Invitational in what will be their last showing before the Patriot League Championship later in the month.
BUCKNELL TOP FINISHERS
Men (7K)
1. D.J. Krystek - 24:18.1
2. John Dugan - 24:18.4
3. Andrew Garcia-Garrison - 24:18.9
4. Michael McGowan - 24:19.0
5. Charles Seigneur - 24:19.2
6. Tyler Erhard - 24:20.4
7. Brian Charland - 24:39.1
Women (5K)
1. Deanna Godby - 19:41.5
2. Caroline Tolli - 19:43.0
3. Katie Jessee - 19:44.4
4. Meghan Carroll - 19:55.2
5. Beth Braunegg - 19:55.4
6. Nora Adams - 20:01.9
7. Alison Billas - 20:08.2
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