Final Men's Results // Final Women's Results // Women's Video // Men's Video

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. -- Behind several strong efforts, the Christopher Newport men's cross country team placed second at the 57th Annual William & Mary Invitational, while the women came in third overall during the competition at the Eastern State Course in Williamsburg.
 
During the competition, Grayson Reid led the Captains with a ninth-place effort as he helped the men finish second with 52 points. On the women's side, Logan Harrington was the team's top finisher as she came in 15th overall while helping CNU collect 86 points.
 
For the men, Reid completed the 6k in 19:29.7, while Billy Rabil finished four spots back in 13th with a 19:47.5 clocking. Just steps behind his teammate, Andrew Benfer came in 14th after completing the course in 19:48.6.
 
"I'm proud of the way we ran today," said head coach Matthew Barreau. "For the most part, the men followed the race plan and executed the things we have been trying to teach them. It wasn't a completely smooth race, but they still ran well. There was a nice, steady string of blue at the finish. And we're gonna tighten that up more."
 
Along with the front-runners, three other men registered top-20 efforts during the meet. Zach Campbell led the second wave with a 17th-place effort in 20:06.9. Right behind Campbell, Jeff Dover came in 18th (20:10.2) and Charlie Pruitt crossed in 19th (20:12.2).
 
"It's nice when, as you're executing a race plan, things don't go exactly as scripted, but the team recovers," said Barreau. "There were moments where we fell apart from each other more than we should, but then later in the loop I'd see our blue working back to be with each other. That's showing some heart in the face of adversity. That's what makes us stronger."
 
Leading the way on the women's side, Harrington posted a time of 19:20.5 in the 5k, which placed her 15th overall. Lydia Cromwell also pieced together a solid effort as the senior finished 18th in 19:31.8.
 
"In the women's race, there was a lot to get excited about, but also a lot missing," said Barreau. "Those who ran did very well, but we were also missing several people that could've made this an even better day. We're more than a team, we're a family. And the family is going to be so much stronger when we're all out there together. As excited as we are about how today went, we know we could be twice as excited when we're running at full strength."
 
Along with Harrington and Cromwell, four other Captains registered top-30 efforts during the meet. Briana Stewart placed 25th in 20:16.3, while Graciela Slyer was three seconds back in 26th. Rounding out the top performers, Emmie Schmitt came in 29th (20:43.7) and Andi Crosby placed 30th (20:49.7).
 
"We had so many things go well for us today, and so much to be proud of," said Barreau. "And the team knows this is a very good start. They're happy. The coaches are happy. We're in a good place. And we are hungry for more."
 
Christopher Newport will return to action on September 26 when the Captains head to Charlottesville for the Virginia / Panorama Farms Invitational.
 
---CNU---