TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - University of South Alabama sophomore
Zac Edwards and senior
Micah Tirop concluded their 2009 cross country season Monday morning at the NCAA Championships, held at the LaVern Gibson Championship Course in Terre Haute, Ind.
Edwards finished the 10K course with a time of 30:43.20, placing 79th. This was the 2009 Sun Belt Conference Champion's first individual appearance at nationals.
"We were hoping for a higher placement, but Zac has been sick and it just didn't work out," distance coach Tim Goldsack said. "He is just a sophomore and we expect higher for what he can do in the future. I believe Zac is headed to be in Jaguar history. He has progressed at a high rate and I don't see him stopping anytime soon."
Tirop placed 98th with a time of 30:57.20, marking his personal best at nationals. This was the Jaguar senior's third and final national collegiate individual appearance.
"Micah has been consistent for four years. He has made it to nationals three times and has made the top 100 twice," Goldsack said. "I'm sad this is the last day with Micah, but I'm proud to have had the opportunity to coach him. He has proven himself in cross country and is now ready to show what he can do in track this year."
Tirop finishes the cross country season with two first-place finishes, including two SBC Runner of the Week awards.
"We are proud of the season these guys have had. We were hoping for a little bit more with this competition but the guys gave it all they had," head coach Paul Brueske said. "Zac has a couple more years to go, and I believe he will help lead the program in the right direction. This season was outstanding and I'm proud of them all."
In the team competition, the Oklahoma men and the Villanova women captured the team title, while Samuel Chelanga of Liberty won the men's individual title (28:41.3) and Angela Bizzarri (19:46.8) of Illinois repeated on the women's side.
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
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