Men's Results // Women's Results // Men's 8k Video // Women's 5k Video

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Facing off against elite competition from all levels, the Christopher Newport cross country teams looked strong on Saturday as the women placed second among non-Division I opponents, while the men finished third during the Commodore Classic at Percy Ward Park.

Going up against 33 squads, including 20 Division I teams, the women recorded an average time of 19:36.68 in the 5k while compiling 73 points. That performance not only placed them second in the non-D1 field but it also marked the top showing by a Division III program.

On the men's side, CNU was pitted against a similarly deep field and finished third among non-Division I programs and second in Division III. During the race, the Captains accumulated 114 points while notching an average time of 27:01.70 in the 8k.

Overall, both squads placed five in the top-30 among non-Division I competitors. Additionally, a total of 10 Captains posted personal-best times during the competition.

Emmie Schmitt continued the strong start to her freshman campaign after recording a new PR while crossing the line in fourth with a time of 19:17.59. She was followed closely by a host of Captains led by sophomore Lydia Cromwell. The second-year standout finished in 19:29.86, which placed her ninth among all non-Division I competitors.

Among other top-20 efforts, senior Jessica McClelland finished 12th in 19:34.88, while Briana Stewart was 18th after completing the course in 19:41.12. The next three Captains all posted new personal bests to help round out a strong showing. Allison McNulla came in 30th, Julie Machamer placed 38th, and Gaylin Glueck finished 44th. Just behind those three, Logan Harrington placed 61st in the field.

Similar to the women, the men's team also benefited from excellent efforts by its first-year competitors. Freshman Billy Rabil led the squad after finishing 17th with a time of 26:45.74. His teammates were close behind and bunched in a tight pack, which featured four Captains finishing within 25 seconds of one another.

Samuel Martin was the second CNU standout to cross the line after placing 21st in 26:54.55. JJ LaPointe, who earned CAC Runner of the Week laurels for his efforts in the opener, placed 24th overall with a time of 26:58.81. Aaron Zook and Andrew Benfer were close behind, finishing 26th and 32nd, respectively.

Trailing the main CNU group by mere seconds, Bradley Turner placed 39th in 27:38.39, while Eyasu Yirdaw was 42nd in 27:42.00. Zachary Campbell rounded out the team with another top-50 showing after finishing 47th.

Union, a Division II school in Tennessee, posted the top non-D1 effort on the women's side with a score of 59. Texas A&M-Commerce led the men with 43 points, while Division III member Ohio Northern placed second with 48.

Christopher Newport will be back in action next Saturday when the squad hosts the CNU Settler's Invitational on September 21.

---CNU---