By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
BOONE, N.C. – The Tennessee Tech cross country teams turned in a healthy duo of results at the Covered Bridge Open Friday morning, each producing top-six finishes while competing at the Don Kennedy Trails at State Farm in Boone, N.C.
The women's squad placed fifth among 14 teams in competition, totaling 160 points for the effort. It was senior Helen Pacurariu-Nagy leading the way, crossing the finish line 13th among the more than 100 runners with a time of 17:44.72 in the 5K.
Next among the Golden Eagle crew was rookie Makaleigh Jessee, racing to a time of 18:38.38. Chloe Wade followed it up with a time of 19:06.75, placing third for the purple and gold.
Veteran Rahab Sawe also scored for the Tech squad, collecting a time of 19:20.64. Rounding out the scoring for the Golden Eagles, Cookeville native Maddie Long delivered a time of 19:38.07. Just behind her by less than a second was rookie Riley Knoyle, clocking in at 19:38.88.
The Golden Eagle men completed the 8K sixth among 13 total teams, producing a total of 177 points. Taking point for the purple and gold for the first time was junior transfer James Hyland, producing a 19th-place finish for points with a time of 25:19.34.
Veteran Chase Faudi delivered a strong run to finish second among the Tech competitors with a time of 25:25.30. In third among the Golden Eagles was Miceal McCaul with a time of 25:51.35.
Also completing the course with strong showings were Nick Beattie, fourth among the Golden Eagles with a time of 26:43.04, and Isaac Legault, registering a mark of 27:23.49 to round out the scoring.
Next on the docket for the Golden Eagles is a trip to Louisville, Ky. for the Live in Lou Classic on Saturday, Sept. 30.
Photos by Katherine Jamtgaard, App State
