BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- The Howard Community College cross country programs traveled to Lehigh University on Oct. 1 to compete in the Paul Short Invitational, one of the largest cross country meets in the nation.
"Top to bottom this may be the best quality field we've ever had at the Paul Short Run, between nationally ranked teams at all levels, and regionally ranked teams," said Lehigh head men's cross country coach Todd Etters of the approximate 6,000 student athletes from nearly 450 colleges and high schools competing this year.
The Dragon men competed in the White Division, placing 22nd in a field of NCAA Division II / III programs.
Ryan Clocker was the Dragons' first male finisher, placing 98th with a time of 28:29 in the 8K race.
He was closely followed by Scott Camp, 102nd / 28:31, Garrett Birsa 145th / 29:35, Corey Young 146th / 29:36 and Abraham Samuel 107th / 30:13.
The Dragon Women placed 33rd in the White Division.
Abbey Starks was 98th, running 24:39 in the 6K race.
She was followed by Brenda Rosas 151st / 25:32, Amani Jones 176th / 26:10, Brittany Nixon / 271 / 32:12 and Elena Ciobanu 298 / 39:52.
"I told them going in that this would be the toughest meet on our schedule" said Dragons coach Steve Musselman. "They were able to see for themselves how deep the talent field was out there. Some people ran well and a few were shell shocked. A lot of positives came from this [meet] as we prepare for the upcoming championships."
The Dragons next meet with be at Utica Park in Frederick hosted by Hood College on Oct. 15.
*This article was provided by and published with permission of Howard Community College Athletics. Visit http://www.howardccdragons.com for more Dragons news and notes.
