UNIVERSITY PLACE - (Sept. 2) The Seattle University men’s and women’s cross country teams opened up their season at the UW/SU Open at Chambers Bay in University Place, Wash.
A shorter course than they’ll face the rest of the season, the open meet featured a 4-mile race for the men, and a 3-mile race for the women. And in true fall Seattle fashion, wind and rain made an appearance for the races.
No team results were taken this meet, but it was a good way to set some fast times and see the preparedness of the runners for the season.
“Women ran solid races and didn’t seem to let the conditions bother them at all,” head coach Trisha Steidl said. “They stayed focused the whole time.”
The first woman from Seattle U to cross the finish line was Moira O’Connor Lenth (17:45.10) who finished 12th.
“Moira ran well and wasn’t afraid to put herself in the mix early on,” Steidl said. “She ran a fairly even race in tough conditions, and is in a good place upon which to continue this momentum as the season progresses.”
Steidl also had to mention Johanna Erickson (17:56.50), who put up a good personal performance to finish 14th.
“Johanna had a very strong race today and had her highest finish on the team in her time here at SU thus far,” Steidl said. “She’s been training well and focusing on all the pieces of the puzzle that go into being a strong cross country runner, and it’s paying off already.”
On the men’s side, Steidl said the men ran a strong race and within themselves.
The first man from Seattle U to cross the finish line was Joe Charbonneau (20:17.80), who finished eighth.
“Joe had a very strong showing,” Steidl said. “He ran with the lead pack for the majority of the race and showed himself what he is capable of. This was the best season start he’s had, and it’s a nod to the consistent training he put in over the summer.”
The UW/SU Open was a good start to the season for the Seattle U cross country team, and it should be a good sign of things to come.
Next up, the team travels to Lincoln Park in West Seattle, Wash. for the Sundodger meet on Sept. 17.