By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — A South Carolina quartet of three freshmen and a sophomore earned the top four spots in the App State-hosted Covered Bridge Open on Aug. 30. Mountaineer senior Emma Russum spoiled the visitors’ sweep of the top five, crossing the finish line for the 5k run just under 18 minutes (17:59.51) to take the No. 5 position.
Teresa Cherotich, a USC freshman crosse the line No. 1 in 17:16.14, followed by another USC freshman, Mary Francis Iseman at No. 2 in 17:47.47. The two other top finishers for South Carolina were No. 3 Anya Arroyo (sophomore, 17:51.46) and No. 4 Cate Conklin (freshman, 17:58.90). South Carolina sophomore Emma Torbert put the finishing touches on her team’s No. 1 team victory for the event when she crossed the line just behind Russum, at No. 6 (18:04.85).
App State had two more harriers finish in the top 10, freshman Bre Budzinski (No. 8, 18:13.24) and Rhys Ammon (No. 9, 18:13.65).
More than 100 athletes were registered for the women’s division, representing nine colleges and universities. All five of App State’s scorers finished in the top 16, helping the Mountaineer harriers to a No. 2 team finish.
“Our team excelled today in their preparation, mindset, and how they paced themselves throughout the race,” said women’s distance coach Annie Richards. “They have big goals this season and have maintained a heavy workload throughout the last several weeks to build a foundation of strength to support these goals. Several women ran big workouts this weekend. They will join the pack and open their seasons at the Firetower Project in two weeks.”
Team Scores
- South Carolina (16)
- App State (51)
- Mercer (91)
- Montreat (117)
- Western Carolina (147)
- UNC-Asheville (168)
- High Point (199)
- Winthrop (229)
- USC-Upstate (260)
UP NEXT
The Mountaineers will return to the Don Kennedy Trails at State Farm on Sept. 13 for the Firetower Project Run. The men’s 8K is slated for 6 p.m. with the women’s 6K to follow at 6:40 p.m.
