University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt
Iona Meet of Champions
CROSS COUNTRY HAS STRONG FINISH IN THE MEET OF CHAMPIONS
9/25/2005 12:00:00 AM | Cross Country
Sept. 24, 2005
Bronx, N.Y. - Pitt cross country traveled to Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx for the Iona Meet of Champions hosted by Iona College, ranked seventh for men's cross country. Pitt's men's team finished seventh out of 25 schools, and the women placed eighth out of 24.
Leading the Panther men was sophomore Sam Bair (Pittsburgh, Pa./Shaler Area) finishing 11th with a time of 25:09.7. "I had a really solid week with not a lot of rest. I felt a little flat and a little tired," explained Bair. "There were some good guys from good teams ahead of me. I know I can run with some of those guys." Bair anticipates that he'll have a better finish when the team returns to the Bronx for the Big East Championships in late October. Other strong performances came from junior Tim Konoval (Parry Sound, Ontario/Central Connecticut State) and Andy Tomaswick (Natrona Heights, Pa./Highlands). Konoval finished 35th with a time of 25:48.7, and Tomaswick placed 49th with a time of 26:01.4. The Panther men defeated a number of key teams including Big East teams Connecticut and South Florida.
The Panther women continued to run well early in the season with an eighth place finish over Connecticut and South Florida as well as regional opponent Lehigh. Finishing in 32nd place, senior Nicki Angstadt (Kutztown, Pa./Fleetwood Area) lead the Panthers with a time of 32:57.7. "I think it was a strong race for the girls in particular," said Angstadt. "I think we've got a good idea [what's in store] for the Big East Championships." Also contributing to the Panther's finish were sophomores Ali Briggs (Washington, Pa./Washington) and Suzy Bossart (Greensburg, Pa./Greensburg Salem) finishing in 56th and 64th respectively.
