By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
Golden Eagle Invitational
Date: Friday, Sept. 16, 2022
Time: 4:30 p.m. CT (women – 6K) & 5:15 p.m. CT (men – 8K)
Location: Putnam County Sports Complex | Cookeville, Tenn.
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech cross country teams are back in Cookeville to host their first of two meets this season, welcoming five other teams to Putnam County Sports Complex for the Golden Eagle Invitational Friday afternoon. The purple and gold will also host the Ohio Valley Conference Championships on Saturday, Oct. 29.
The event will kick off with the women's 6K at 4:30 p.m. CT. The men's 8K is set to follow at approximately 5:15 p.m.
The Golden Eagles head into their home event after producing a solid start to the season at the Covered Bridge Open in Boone, N.C. two weeks ago.
Leading the women's team in Boone was junior Helen Pacurariu-Nagy, producing a top-25 showing with a time of 18:18.43 in the 5K, just seconds off her career-best showing. Sophomore Amanda Laboy was second among the Golden Eagle participants, clocking in at 19:06.16.
Junior Rahab Sawe was right behind, finishing at 19:17.05 to round out Tech's top-three performers. Maddie Long and Chloe Wade also contributed to the scoring for the purple and gold.
On the men's side, reigning OVC Male Freshman of the Year Miceal McCaul set the standard for the Golden Eagles, turning in a time of 26:29.00 in the 8K. Junior Dominic Smith took home the second spot on the Tech roster with a finish of 26:49.84.
Sophomores Chase Faudi and Nick Beattie clocked in at 26:54.48 and 27:00.48, respectively, staying in the fight late. Rookie Carter Bradford rounded out the scoring for Tech with a solid collegiate debut.
The Field
The Golden Eagle Invitational field consists of host Tennessee Tech, as well as Carson-Newman, Lincoln Memorial, Murray State, Tennessee State, and UT Martin.
Up Next
Following this weekend's race, the Golden Eagles will compete next at the Live in Lou Classic in Louisville, Ky. The meet will be hosted by Louisville on Saturday, Oct. 1.
Photos by Thomas Corhern
