BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – The Cleveland State cross country team started the 2015 season Friday evening, participating in the BGSU Mel Brodt Collegiate Opener.
"For the first race of the season I am very proud of how everyone ran. They all have been putting in a lot of hard work during practice leading up to tonight's race, and for it to finally payoff is hug," head coach Joe Jaketic said. "I thought Samantha ran a very relaxed race from start to finish – which you could definitely see with her result. Of course with this being the first race of the season we can certainly make some improvements, but overall I am very happy with the results from tonight's race."
Leading the Vikings during the first race of the season was sophomore Samantha Butterbaugh who finished in 21st place with a personal-best 5K time of 19:05. Also recording a sub 20-minute 5K time during the season opener was junior Ashlyn Woods who finished 23rd in a time of 19:29.
Butterbaugh's time of 19:05 ties for the ninth fastest 5K time at CSU, while Woods' time of 19:29 ties for the 42nd fastest 5K time – her seventh top-50 5K time.
The trio of Alanna Shamrock (36th – 21:01), Ashley Lydic (38th – 21:07), and Marissa Sell (39th – 21:08) all recorded top-40 finishes for the Vikings – with Sell running in her first collegiate race.
Megan O'Keefe (42nd – 21:37) and Kristin McCarthy (43rd – 22:39) were the next two Vikings to cross the finish line – McCarthy doing so in a personal-best 5K time.
Rounding out the Cleveland State runners were Emily Marshall (43rd), Sarah Mallow (47th), and Marissa Ward (51st).
The Vikings will return to action next Saturday (September 12) at the Detroit Titan Invitational. The women's race is slated for an 11:15 a.m. start.
BGSU Mel Brodt Collegiate Opener Results:
21. Samantha Butterbaugh, 19:05
23. Ashlyn Woods, 19:29
36. Alanna Shamrock, 21:01
38. Ashley Lydic, 21:07
39. Marissa Sell, 21:08
42. Megan O'Keefe, 21:37
43. Kristin McCarthy, 22:39
45. Emily Marshall, 22:46
47. Sarah Mallow, 23:44
51. Marissa Ward, 26:29
