CHARLESTON, S.C. - The men's and women's cross country teams are ready for a fast and narrow course at High Point University VertCross Invitational in Kernersville, North Carolina. The upcoming meet on Friday is named after Dr. Richard Vert, an HPU cross country letter winner and current High Point University Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Last year, the top 10 in the men's 8k ran faster than 25:30. Our very own Buccaneer, Fearghal Curtin, ran a career-best time of 24:27 in Louisville and has a chance to challenge the top guys in Kernersville this year. Jeryk Wilson is also right up there in the tight fight with his new personal best time of 25:11, followed by Jaymee Domoney, who clocked 25:43 in Louisville.
"I think we are on the brink of a breakthrough with a number of the athletes. I'm really happy with the progress and leadership in both practice and racing from Fearghal, Jeryk, and Jaymee. Their example is trickling down to the rest of the team," said Jim Stintzi, Director of Track & Field and Cross Country.
While the male Bucs are taking on another 8k, the female Buccaneers will face their first 6k this season. Georgina Russell broke 19 minutes in the 5k at Louisville and has demonstrated excellent aerobic capacity throughout the season. The dynamic duo, Taylor Barnes and Bethany Thornhill, have produced several personal records this the season and look forward to the new challenge.
"Without pain, there will be no advancement. Sometimes when the race gets tough I just start praying and saying 'thank you for getting me this far and help me finish this last mile.' It makes me not focus on what I'm feeling but on God being in control," said Barnes.
Duke, Appalachian State, and George Mason topped the team results at the HPU Invitational last year. This year, several big teams have signed up and even though the field is a bit smaller than at Louisville, it is still a competitive one.
"Our training has been going well and we'll face some Big South teams, which should give us our first indication of how things stand in the Conference Championship," summarized Stintzi.
The women's race will fire off at 4 p.m. sharp and the men's race will begin at 4:45 p.m. on Friday, October 13th in Kernersville, North Carolina. The HPU VertCross Invitational is the last race leading up to the Big South Championship October 28th in Lynchburg, Virginia.
