Oct. 14, 2007

WASHINGTON - The American University men's and women's cross country teams each had strong showings Saturday at the Lafayette College Invitational. The men's team finished second in a field of 12 teams and the women's team placed fourth out of 11.

The men's team finished behind the University of Maryland and the women's team trailed only Maryland, Bucknell and Kutztown. Other schools competing in the event from the Patriot League were Holy Cross, Lafayette, Lehigh and Navy. The field of competition was rounded out by the University of Connecticut, Saint Joseph's, Rutgers, East Stroudsberg, Seton Hall and LaSalle.

The men's team's second place showing was highlighted by three top-25 finishers. Carlos Jamieson was the top runner for the Eagles, placing fifth in a time of 25:33.6. Brian McCabe finished 13th in 26:24.8 and Kyle Gaffney rounded out the top finishers for AU placing 23rd in 26:49.7. Other American racers included Colin Eustis, 28th, Jason Baker, 31st, Conor Sullivan, 32nd and Jeff Brannigan, 74th.

Three Eagles finished in the top-10 of the women's race. Cathleen Ford was the top women's finisher, placing third with a time of 20:58.0. Kate Lilley posted a 7th place finish in 21:27.0 and Greta Wicklund came in 10th with a 21:39.0 time. Other racers for the women's team included Meghan Mason, 27th, Mary Jean Egan, 47th, Melissa Tabas, 57th and Rachel Forcino, 81st.

The Eagles will be off next week in preparation for the Patriot League Championships being held Oct. 27 on the same course of the Lafayette Invitational in Easton, Pa. The men's team will be looking to defend its five-straight PL cross country championships and the women's team will look to improve upon its sixth-place showing from a year ago.

---

American University athletics news is available via our weekly American Eagles E-News. Sign up for the free newsletter by clicking here.

---