University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt
Duquesne Duals
Cross Country Teams Dominate Duquesne Duals
9/3/2005 12:00:00 AM | Cross Country
Sept. 3, 2005
PITTSBURGH - The men's and women's cross country teams kicked off their season today with one goal on their mind - run as a pack. Both teams agree that the key to much of their success was their ability to run together. In a meet typically won by the host team, Duquesne University, both Panther teams finished in first above Duquesne, Carnegie Mellon University, Penn State University - Altoona and St. Bonaventure University.
Six Panther women finished in the top ten with sophomore Ali Briggs (Washington, Pa./Washington) leading the way. Briggs came in second place with a time of 18:55, just 13 seconds behind first. Following in third and fourth were Nicki Angstadt (Kutztown, Pa./Fleetwood) and Nikki Bielick (Greensburg, Pa./Greensburg Salem) with times of 19:02 and 19:04, respectively. "We were always staying in a group," said Briggs. "That helps for a strong team finish." Angstadt agreed, adding that it's encouraging to have such a strong finish this early in the season.
Leading the men's team was sophomore Samuel Bair III (Pittsburgh, Pa./Shaler Area). Bair finished in first with a time of 25:24. Following Bair was junior Tim Konoval (Parry Sound, Ontario/Central Connecticut State) placing third with a time of 25:47 and Eric Fleming (West Chester, Pa./Bishop Shanahan) in sixth at 25:55. The men's team attributed much of their success to training together throughout the summer and also a coaching staff they're comfortable with. "We have a lot of depth, and we're still a young team. I think we're going to turn a lot of heads this year," said Fleming.
In 2004, the Panthers had three runners break into the top ten of their races, and this year the team had 12 top ten finishes - six women and six men. The team's next competition will be the Iona Meet of Champions on September 24 in New York.
