Sept. 28, 2005

Cary, N.C. – South Carolina Cross Country ran one the toughest courses so far this season at the Great American Cross Country Festival on Saturday in Cary, N.C. The Gamecocks competed against 11 teams, including six nationally ranked teams, in the Nike Race of Champions, finishing 12th with 361 points.

“We knew the field was the toughest we would run all year and the purpose of the meet was to get a chance to run against nationally to prepare us for the SEC Championship,” said USC Cross Country Coach Stan Rosenthal.

Leading the Gamecocks was top runner Rebecca Chain, who finished 69th with a time of 19:10. Also finishing for the Gamecocks was Theresa Verostek, Nicki Breves, Laura Regensburg, Jess Smith, Kelsey Bristol, Anna Petrov, Megan Robers and Alyse Shayer.

Claming the title on Saturday was Duke with 20 points, while Brigham Young finished runner-up with 68 and the University of Virginia in third with 110 points. Compete results can be found at www.flashresults.com.

The Gamecocks are off this week, but will be back in action next week at Auburn on October 8th at 10 a.m. in Auburn, Ala. Results will be available at www.uscsports.com.