TicketsSept. 16, 2005
CINCINNATI, Ohio - The University of Cincinnati cross country teams took first place at the Queen City Invitational at Mount Airy Forest on Friday. Cincinnati junior Taylor Garvin led the field, finishing in 26:04. Sophomore Nichole Leslie also earned the win for the Bearcats, completing the race in 19:15.
The men's squad earned their first win of the season convincingly by scoring 18 points. Their closest competitor was Morehead State University, who finished in second as team with 45 points. Marshall University placed third as a team with 73 points.
Cincinnati placed five runners in the top seven, led by Garvin and sophomore John Dixon in second place (26:13). Garvin's win was the first of his collegiate career. Finishing third for the Bearcats and fourth overall was freshman Rick King (26:33). "Rick really rose to the forefront," said head coach Bill Schnier. "We had some people who were not their best. Any time that happens, you hope someone else takes their place, and Rick did that."
Rounding out the scoring for the Bearcat men were junior Eric Mayhaus in sixth (26:50) and junior David Adams in seventh (26:55).
The Cincinnati women's team (17 points) won their third meet in three weeks. They began the season with victories at the Dayton Flyer 5K on Sept. 3 and the Miami Invitational on Sept. 10. This week's title came easily with Morehead State in second (53 points), Marshall in third (65), and Kentucky State University in fourth (119).
The Bearcat women were led by youth as Leslie won her first meet in a Cincinnati uniform. "I wasn't expecting to win," the sophomore said. Leslie fought off teammate freshman Ellen Knopf in the final straightaway with a strong sprint. "I was just going to give it everything I had because this opportunity doesn't happen all the time." Knopf finished second overall with a time of 19:16.
Also scoring for the Bearcats were senior Karen Berling in third (19:21), junior Cristy Doll in fifth (19:39), and freshman Megan Knapp in sixth (20:03).
The UC cross country teams will have a week off before traveling to South Bend, Ind. for the Notre Dame Invitational on Friday, Sept. 30. The women's race will begin at 2:00 p.m., while the men will compete at 5:00 p.m.
Top Cincinnati Finishers (Women)
1. Nichole Leslie.....19:15
2. Ellen Knopf......19:16
3. Karen Berling....19:21
5. Cristy Doll........19:39
6. Megan Knapp....20:03
Top Cincinnati Finishers (Men)
1. Taylor Garvin...26:04
2. John Dixon......26:13
4. Rick King.......26:33
6. Eric Mayhaus...26:50
7. David Adams...26:55