CHARLESTON, Ill. – The SIUE women's cross country team was able to race despite some hostile weather Friday as it opened the 2012 season by competing in the EIU Walt Crawford Open.
A strong storm in the Charleston area forced the women's 5K race to run alongside the men's 8K competition. Originally, the women were scheduled to run 45 minutes prior to the men.
The women's team was able to complete the race before a second storm rolled through the area.
"I was pleased with how we handled the adversity especially for how young we are," SIUE Head Coach Eileen McAllister said. "It was chaotic at times, but I felt they stayed focused."
The Cougars were led by junior Claire Brown (Petersburg), who finished 17th out of 115 runners, posting a time of 19:01.87 which was a 25 second PR for Brown.
Freshman Kirby Hale impressed for SIUE in her first race at the collegiate level, finishing 29th with a time of 19:32.96.
Freshman Haley Briggs (Argenta) posted a time of 20:27.76 followed closely by junior Renee Goodenough (St. Louis, Mo.) who finished in 20:29.57.
Conradette King (Jefferson City, Mo.) finished in 20:40.01, and sophomore Emily Conlon (Ballwin, Mo.) posted a time of 20:52.19.
Next up for the Cougars is the first of two home meets this season as they host the SIUE Cross Country Challenge on Friday.
"I'm very glad we were able to race," McAllister added. "We needed to get this first one under our belts. It will be great to race at home next week."
