Men's Cross Country 10/31/2009 6:00:00 PM MEAC Media Relations

Norfolk State Men Win Cross Country Title

Norfolk State University's women's and men's cross country teams won the 2009 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Cross Country Championship titles Saturday morning at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Md.

The Spartan women captured their first-ever title with 49 points. Aurora Scott paced NSU with a time of 18:44.97, while three teammates finished among the top 15 finishes to earn All-MEAC honors.

Hampton's Jahlisa Smith won the individual title and earned Outstanding Performer accolades. Smith finished the 5K course with a time of 18:34.80 and guided her team to a fourth place finish.

"I am coming off of injuries from the outdoor season, but I was trying to focus on catching the runners slowly and then pass them, said Smith." "I was trying to make sure our team came out on top."

Norfolk State head coach Rhonda Berard earned Outstanding Coach accolades. "I am just so excited, exclaimed Berard." Last year we came in second. This year we brought in some more ladies and added depth to our team and performed." "It was a total team effort."

In team results, North Carolina A&T and Maryland Eastern Shore tied for second place with 74 points. Hampton (78), and Howard (140) rounded out the top five.

In men's action, the Spartan men won their ninth overall crown in ten years. Philemon Kimatui was the top performer for NSU and finished in second place with a time of 25:46.66.

Morgan State's Justus David crossed the tape first for the men with a time of 25:44.36 to earn Outstanding Performer accolades.

"I've been concerned with mileage all season, explained David." "I trained a lot prior to the season and was able to win the race today."

Norfolk State's Kenneth Giles earned Outstanding Coach honors for the ninth time in his career. "Going into the season the goal is to win the conference championship, said Giles." "The team stayed up front, ran really well and worked hard all season."

Seven MEAC institutions had runners place among the top 15 on the 8K course and earn All-MEAC honors.

Second place accolades went to Delaware State (100), Howard (103), Maryland Eastern Shore (108) and Morgan State (119) completed the top five finishes.