SEATTLE – (Sept. 17) Saturday, the Redhawk cross country team traveled to Lincoln Park in West Seattle, Wash. to compete in the Sundodger Invitational, hosted by the University of Washington.
Under grey skies, they indeed dodged the sun, and got the full experience of racing in the fall during their first full meet of the 2016-’17 season.
"This was a good start to the season," head coach Trisha Steidl said. "They did a great job of being focused and strong during the race."
The women finished the 6K fourth overall in front of Portland State and Fresno State. They finished behind Washington, Washington State, and just three points shy of Hawaii.
"This is a great foundation on which to build, and if our ladies continue to improve upon the result from today, we'll have a very solid season ahead of us," Steidl said.
Lila Rice was the first Redhawk to cross the finish line, something she proved dominant in accomplishing last season.
Rice finished 21st overall with a time of 22:14.00.
"Lila had a strong race today," Steidl said. "She realized in the second half of the race that she was feeling good and could pick up the pace, and did so to have a very strong finish. She gained a lot from today's race and I know she will be building off this race to the next and keep doing that as the season progresses."
Rebecca Lassere (22:41.00) set a new personal record by six seconds.
The men finished the 8K third overall in front of Fresno State and Portland State. They finished behind Washington State and Washington.
"I'm confident that if the guys continue to be as focused and mentally on their games as they have been these past few weeks, we have an exciting season ahead of us," Steidl said.
For the second year in a row at Sundodger, Chay Weaver was the first Redhawk to cross the finish line, setting a new personal record by about five seconds.
Weaver finished 22nd overall with a time of 25:07.40.
"His time was faster and, if I remember right, the conditions this year might have been a little less ideal," Steidl said. "He ran well, and while last year I think he really pushed himself to the limit for his result, he appeared to be more in control this year."
Joe Charbonneau (25:21.20), Eli Boudouris (25:33.70), and Cal Davidson-Turner (25:39.80) also set new personal records.
"Joe, Eli, and Cal had especially noteworthy races, finishing significantly faster than at this same race last year," Steidl said. "Those guys making such great improvements this year was a game-changer for the overall team's performance."
Next up for the Redhawks, they stay in Seattle for the UW Invitational, to be raced at Jefferson Park Golf Course, on Oct. 1.