SWANNANOA, N.C. (September 21, 2018) – The UNCA Bulldogs cross country teams claimed both team first-place finishes in Friday’s Asheville Invitational in Swannanoa. Nine teams competed in each race at Asheville Christian Academy in Swannanoa, North Carolina.
Freshman Clara Wincheski (pictured) claimed the women’s race with an 18:21.11 time at the 5k distance. She was followed by Milligan’s Jaqcuelyn Crow, with an 18:34.43. The Bulldogs Kelly Coleman (19:18.58) nabbed third place for the Bulldogs.
Combined, Milligan and UNCA captured the top five finishes in the race. The team finishes in order included: UNCA (28), Milligan (41), Tennessee Wesleyan (100), Belmont Abbey (104), Wofford (113), Limestone (144), Gardner-Webb (175), Lees-McRae (209), and Warren Wilson (248).
The top men’s finisher was Noah Allison of nearby Mars Hill University. Allison, a Marshall, North Carolina product, turned in a 25:58.74 in the 8k distance to win the race. Tennessee Wesleyan’s Romeo Blackburn (26:14.21) took second, with fellow Bulldog Zach Boone (26:27.89) finishing third place.
The men’s team finishes included: UNCA (41), Milligan (51), Tennessee Wesleyan (67), Lees-McRae (79), Wofford (160), Belmont Abbey (169), Limestone (188), Warren Wilson (222), and Gardner-Webb (231). (photos – Tom Flynn)
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