In only their second meet of the season, the Texas A&M University – Commerce cross country teams ran at the Texas A&M Invitational in College Station on Sept. 22.
The Invitational was 8 kilometers long for the men, 5 km for the women, and featured all Division I teams, with the exception of the Lions. On the men’s side, Tyler Tyndell was the top-finisher, with a 20th place finish in 25:47. The finish was the second time this season that Tyndell has been the top finisher for the Lion’s men.
Along with Tyndell’s performance, were other finishes in the top-40 by Alfredo Soto (32nd/26:39), Gerardo Delafuente (38th/26:59), Brandon Womack (45th/27:30), and Robert Reed (46th/27:31).
Rounding out the lineup for the Lions, were Kasie Carrell (60th/28:53), Kelly Logan (63rd/29:10), and Lance Smith (91st/33:53).
“The men’s team did exceptionally well, given that they are not fully race ready. I have been holding the men’s team back a bit, trying to teach them to train and race smart before getting them get into some serious training,” Assistant Coach Jason Wicke said.
The women’s team finished in groups, and were led by Kate Donavan, with a 62nd place finish in 22:42. Finishing directly after Donavan, were Janna Lane (63rd/23:21), and Esther Fernandez (64th/23:49).
Also finishing concurrently for the women, were Mikesha Brewer (73rd/26:29), Amanda Martin (74th/26:43), and Leslea Taylor (75th/26:47).
“The girls all performed and did not give up. I was very happy with two of our true freshman Kate Donovan and Janna Lane. They competed very hard. Especially Kate who was running in her first cross country meet, ” Head Coach Rich Lawrence said.
Next up for the Lions is the Memphis Twilight Classic, on Oct. 6. The Classic will be the final tune-up for the Lions before they host the Lone Star Conference Championship meet on Saturday, Oct. 20.