CNU Cross Country Squads Hold Steady in Latest Regional Rankings

NEW ORLEANS – For the third straight week, the Christopher Newport cross country squads held firm in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association regional rankings as the women remained in fifth-place in the South/Southeast Region, while the men stood pat in eighth.

Guided by strong efforts in their first two meets, the Captains held on to their top-10 rankings. Lynchburg remains in the top spot on the men's side, while Emory continues to set the pace for the women. Christopher Newport is the only USA South squad to earn a spot in either poll.

The CNU women have been led this year by an incredible collection of freshman standouts. Melissa Rizor led the team and finished second overall during the CNU/VWC Opener on August 31. Last week, fellow classmate Lydia Cromwell posted the team's top-time at the William & Mary Invitational. Following those efforts, both freshmen were named the USA South Rookie of the Week.

Eliza Eaton and Alexa Tabackman have also helped set the tone during their first seasons with CNU, while veterans Karen Bumiller and Erin Rolaf have continued to build upon their impressive resumes. Overall, the Captains captured the title in the season opener before placing fifth at William & Mary in a field that featured six Division I squads.

On the men's side, Christopher Newport has been equally successful. Reigning USA South champion Ray Gamache won the CNU/VWC Opener with a time of 20:24.36. Josh Showalter, who placed second at that meet, led the team with a 36th place effort at William & Mary last weekend. Both Captains were named the conference's Runner of the Week after those competitions.

In addition to the award-winners, Donovan Lewin placed third in the season opener and posted the team's second-best time in Williamsburg. Christopher Allen, Aaron Zook, and Daniel Austin have already pieced together strong efforts in 2012 as well.

Both cross country teams will return to action next Saturday for the Willamette and Salisbury Invitationals on September 29.

Release courtesy of the Christopher Newport sports information department.