Ortiz Breaks School Record in First NU Win
9/7/2009 7:45:53 AM
Senior Melissa Ortiz became the first Newman Cross Country runner to win a race in the program's eight-year history, and did so in record-breaking fashion. Her time of 15:27 on a wet and hilly course near Baldwin City was the best time in school history, and earned her first place honors in the field of 73 runners at the Maple Leaf Invitational.
Redshirt freshman Katie Hamlin also placed in the top 10, and was one of seven Newman runners to place in race's top 38 places, fueling the team to a fifth-place finish in the 11 team event.
In the men's race, the NU men's team brought a third-place trophy back to Wichita. The Jets were led by senior Nick Abbott's time of 16:32, good enough for a fifth place finish. Sophomore Austin Hunt placed ninth in the race, while Chris Taylor and Drew Akler finished 19th and 22nd respectively. All of Newman's runners placed in the top 31.
"Obviously I am very happy for Melissa," Head Coach Josh Shepis said. "She's a great kid and a hard worker, but both teams showed promise in their opening race of the season. With some long harder runs we can reach our team goals."
Women's Times
Melissa Ortiz 15:27
Katie Hamlin 16:34
Tatum Walden 17:27
Brittani May 17:47
Kristin Rodriguez 17:56
Amanda Curtis 18:01
Cheyenne Niehues 18:08
Steph Riley 18:20
Steph Flemming 18:56
Bridget Jorgensen 19:16
Christin Julo 20:26
Ashley Britson 21:00
Men's Times
Nick Abbott 16:32
Austin Hunt 16:45
Chris Taylor 17:22
Drew Akler 17:32
Kyle Graber 17:35
Zach Ball 17:48
Brock Mintie 18:02