CSU wins lightning-delayed UW invite

by UW Athletics Media Relations

When the lightning cleared, Colorado State would go on to win the University of Wyoming cross country meet Friday at Jacoby golf course.

After the one-hour lightning delay, Ellie Rastall from Colorado State set a new course record with a time of 14 minutes, 30.3 seconds, 12 seconds faster than her Ram alum, time of 14:42 set in 2007. Rastall led Colorado State to a first place finish (30 points), over Utah Valley (31 points), Northern Colorado followed in third with 85 points and Wyoming finished fourth with 89 points.

On the men’s side, Dan Wallis of Colorado State finished first with a time of 22:10.3, while Colorado State also came away with the men’s title with 21 points. Utah Valley finished second with 42 points, the University of Wyoming followed with 71 points and Northern Colorado rounded out the field with 113 points.

“Everyone showed a great deal of patience from the fans, to the players and coaches,” said UW head coach Randy Cole. “We had a great deal of support from the men’s swimming and diving team, along with many fans who stuck it out through the delay which made for an exciting race.”

The Cowgirls were led by junior Alysha Davis, who placed 10th in 15:38. She was followed closely by fellow junior Emily Byra in 13th place in 15:45. Also for the Cowgirls, Francis Gipson, Maya Martinez and Felicia McAfee finished 20th, 23rd and 34th respectively.

“Alysha established her position in the front of the pack and ran a very solid first race of the season,” said Cole. “Colorado State has a good team with some national caliber type talent and we saw a taste of that today.”

Sophomore Greg Miller led the Cowboys with an eighth-place finish in 22:33 and was followed by junior Taylor Kelting in 11th place in 22:54. Sophomore Ryan Griesbach and Tyler Gifford finished 21st and 23rd respectively for the ‘Pokes.

“Greg and Taylor came out very patient and finished the first race of the season with a solid finish,” said Cole. “Our young guys need to continue to get physically stronger and that will come with time and hard work but overall I am extremely happy with our first race.”

The Cowboys and Cowgirls will travel to Fort Collins, Colo., to compete in the Colorado State Invitational on Sept. 19th.