Florida A&M men’s cross-country team effectively fulfilled their goal to place second in Friday’s 40th anniversary of the Florida State Cross Country Invitational.
The Rattlers have been pacing themselves in effort to complete the goals set as a team. Since head coach Wayne Angel has taken over the men’s cross country team, the standards have been raised. Effectively evaluating the cross country’s capabilities, Angel was able to increase the team’s endurance.
“This was FAMU’s highest finish at this particular invitational and the team got a lot of recognition,” said Angel. “South regional recognition is twice as hard because we are a HBCU, but I am proud of these young men.”
Elias Chesire and Shuaib Winters took second and third place overall, finishing as the top tandem of all 16 teams in the meet. Chesire finished in 25:06.1, taking second place overall in the 8K run, while Winters finished in 25:09.1 to take third place.
FAMU newcomer Kevin Marindich was the third Rattler to cross the line, coming in eighth place, with a time of 25:36.0. Antony Kimaiyo, opened his first meet and finished fourth, placing No. 33 overall, with a time of 27:09.1. Dieumy Duclos and Lamere Buchanon closed out the five Rattlers. Duclos finished No. 34 overall in 27:10.5, while Buchanon carded a 27:58.3 time.
The Rattlers are ranked as the No. 3 collegiate team in the state, under the University of Florida and Florida State University. The Rattlers were congratulated on their work ethic by FSU men’s cross country head coach Bob Braman and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s coach Mike Rosolino.
According to Buchanon, a graduating senior biology/ pre-med student from Glassboro, N.J., recognizing his role as a team member kept him motivated throughout the race.
“I felt great about going into the race. Very confident in myself and the team,” Buchanon said.
Shuaib Winters, a third-year construction engineering and technology student from Conyers, Ga., and ateam captain, said Friday’s race was a success. He said he remained focused because he knew his role was vital to his teammates and support can increase performance.
“What kept me going was the thought that my teammates were pouring their hearts into the race,” said Winters. “And I didn’t want to let them down.”
Both Buchanon and Winters also know that the recognition and support from their fellow Rattlers is important.
“I would like the school to know that we are working harder then ever before this season and have big goals to cross off our list,” said Buchanon. “And when we compete, it’s always for the name that’s on our jerseys. FAMU!”
Winters said, “Regionals this year is hosted by FSU. It would be great to have a strong presence there.”
The team will run will in Terre Haute, Ind., on Oct. 13 for the NCAA Pre-Nationals cross country meet. The meet’s time has not yet been announced.