HOOVER,Ala.- Showing no signs of stopping their success so far this season, the men’s cross country team came out on top at the Samford Invitational Saturday. Running on the same course that will host the NCAA South Regional in November, the team was able to get a clear view of what lies ahead.

Competing against teams from host Samford and Birmingham-Southern College, the team continued to look strong as they head into the home stretch of their schedule. Running at Veterans Park for the first time, the Owls were able to see the 8k version of the course that holds the Regional on Nov 10.

"The men did a great job today on a tough course," head cross country coach Stan Sims said. "It was good to see Piotr get his first win as a senior. All of the men did well today. Piotr, Jaakko and Nabil exchanged the lead several times throughout the race. It was great to see them all working together."

Running without four of their teammates, the squad was still able to show the rest of the field why they are the team to beat in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Senior Piotr Witczak crossed the finish line not only first for the Owls but first overall in 25:41.

Finishing just behind him were Jaakko Nieminen and Nabil Hamid in second and third respectively. Rounding out the top five finishers for the Owls was Ryan Burrus, who placed fifth and Zach Tupper, who landed in seventh. Andrew Greeson, Cole Jackob and Matt Weiden also raced well finishing in 12th, 18th and 21st respectively.

Although the field wasn’t as big as the competition in Louisville, Witczak knows that the chance to be able to run in the Pre-Regional meet was one they couldn’t pass up.

“Nabil, Jaakko and I worked well together during the race,” Witczak. “I was well rested and that helped me to race a lot better. The course isn’t easy so it was good that we were able to come here for a preview. It also helps us to know that our season and training are headed in the right direction.”



Team Results

1.    Kennesaw State- 16 points

2.    Samford University- 47 points

3.    Birmingham-Southern College- 66 points


Individual Results
1. Piotr Witczak (25:41)

2. Jaakko Nieminen (25:43)

3.  Nabil Hamid (25:55)

5.   Ryan Burruss (26:38)

7.  Zach Tupper (27:13)

12. Andrew Greeson (27:48)

18. Cole Jackob (28:28)

21. Matt Weiden (28:44)