Sept. 4, 2010

Contact: Greg Murphy

Complete Results in PDF Format

KETTERING, Ohio - The Cleveland State cross country team opened the 2010 season by placing fifth of six teams at the Dayton Flyer 5K Challenge on Saturday morning at Indian Riffle Park.

CSU had two runners post personal best times, while four runners also finished the course in under 21 minutes.

"We ran extremely well today," head coach Joe Jaketic said. "It was a great day for running and to run like we did in the first event of the season is a great sign. Everyone looked really good on the course and very relaxed. The team is excited with their performance, but they want to continue to work harder and keep improving each week."

Allison Craine led the Vikings, placing 17th overall with a time of 19:09, just seven seconds from her personal best.

"Allison ran hard today," Jaketic said. "She got out quickly and maintained a nice pace throughout the entire race."

Brittany Elmlinger was 23rd overall in 19:53, while Kelly Zaleski placed 25th with a personal best time of 20:05. Kari Haywood was close bhind in 31st with a personal best time of 20:43.

"The top four runners ran together in a nice pack before Allison kind of broke away from the other three," Jaketic said. "They did a nice job of working together and feeding off each other."

Haywood's time was even more impressive since she was running her first race since her senior year of high school in 2006.

Andria Bazilevich was CSU's fifth finisher in 21:14, placing 34th overall.

The Vikings are back in action next Saturday (Sept. 11) when CSU competes at the Mel Brodt Invitational in Bowling Green, Ohio. The race is scheduled to start at 10:45 a.m.

CSU RESULTS
17. Allison Craine, 19:09
23. Brittany Elmlinger, 19:53
25. Kelly Zaleski, 20:05
31. Kari Haywood, 20:43
34. Andria Bazilevich, 21:14
Jordan Hoile, 21:25
Rachel Niemi, 22:27
Ashley Berlin, 22:31
Melissa Boyes, 22:51