FAMU cross country team leaves competition in dust

Florida A&M’s men’s cross country team edged off the Florida State Seminoles to finish in first place at the 2013 FSU Invitational.

The Rattlers finished in the top three spots and in first-place overall with an average time of 25:13:85 and 32 points on the 8K course.

Prior to the meet, head coach Wayne Angel said he expected the team to finish in first place after finishing second in last year’s FSU Invitational.

Angel said the team needed to close the gaps better between the first and fifth runner in order to beat the Seminoles.

“We did exceptionally well,” Angel said. “We followed the plan and they executed. Everybody had personal records in the top three and Elias Chesire set a course record.”

Elias Chesire, a junior chemical engineering student from Eldoret, Kenya, lead the Rattlers and other participants by setting a course record with a time of 24:39.10.

“I’m happy,” Chesire said. “The course was smooth. Last year it was a little bit rough, but I am happy the team came together.”

Geoffrey Sambu, a first year pre-nursing student from Eldoret, Kenya, finished second overall followed by Daniel Cheruiyot, a first year pre-nursing student from Eldoret, Kenya.

“I am very proud of everyone today,” Angel said. “Now we are going to prepare for the Mid- Eastern Athletic Conference, and hopefully we can do some damage there.”

The Lady Rattlers finished seventh overall with a team average time of 18:58.42.They scored 97 points on the 5K course.

Head coach Darlene Moore expected the Lady Rattlers to improve. Four Lady Rattlers finished in the 18-minute range and one finished in 19 minutes.

“All of my young ladies had a better time today, just as I figured, through our training this week,” Moore said.

Effiey Kosgei, a sophomore pre-nursing student, from Eldoret, Kenya lead the Lady Rattlers while setting a personal record of 18:29.98. She was happy with the performance and is looking forward to later competitions.

“It’s good,” said Kogei. “Now we are fighting for the MEAC.”

Cynthia Chelelgo, a sophomore engineering student from Eldoret, Kenya, ran her personal record with a time of 18:54.58.

“I was so excited,” Chelelgo said. “I was happy about my personal best. I improved so much, and I am so happy about our team. We improved overall.”

Moore believes with the steady improvements The Lady Ratters have put themselves in the chase for the MEAC championship.

The Lady Rattlers next meet will be the MEAC cross-country championship on Oct. 26, in Princess Anne, Md.