Tulane University
Battle of New Orleans
Tulane Men Take Victory at Battle of New Orleans
Aug 30, 2024 | Cross Country
NEW ORLEANS - The Tulane men's and women's cross country teams put together strong performances here Friday night to open up the 2024 season at the Battle of New Orleans.
The men's team swept the top-five finishes to secure a perfect 15-point victory in the men's 5k, led by freshman Bernard Cheruiyot in his debut race for the Wave in a time of 14:00.05.
"Our men's group ran in full force tonight in a controlled effort," explained director of cross country/track & field Adrian Myers. "Our men are as good as we think they are. This was a small glimpse of what's in store for this fall. We couldn't be happier with this group in terms of leadership, worth ethic, attention to details, and just drive to be champions this fall."
Sophomore Illia Kunin finished runner-up in a time of 14:35.40. In third place was senior Jack Jennings at 14:40.46, while freshman Wondu Summa ran a debut time of 14:45.38 for fourth. Paul Pam crossed the line at 14:59.20 to lock-in the top-five sweep.
"Bernard (Cheruiyot) showed tonight that he will be a lot to handle this fall for anyone," said Myers. "Not to mention the fire power right behind him, including three NCAA qualifiers Jack (Jennings), Illia (Kunin), and D2 transfer Wondu (Summa). Our men will turn some heads this fall."
In the women's 4k, the Wave placed third with a total team score of 50. Freshman Caroline Jeptanui placed first in a debut time of 13:31.85, while freshman Blezzin Kimutai clocked 14:08.60 to take second. Both raced unattached for Tulane tonight.
"I was very happy with the women tonight," Myers stated. "We sat out our returning championship top-five tonight and challenged our newcomers to show they belong on a championship roster in November. They showed up and ran very strong against some of the best talent in the Southland. We will have a squad ready to defend last falls' championship in November."
Finishing in fifth was junior Alex Sharp, crossing the line at 14:44.77. Moments behind her was senior Lily Porth at 14:46.98 to take sixth, while junior Reese Ragland finished 13th at 15:09.55.
"Alex Sharp and Lily Porth have shown tremendous growth over the summer and I'll look for them to continue to grow further over the fall," explained Myers.
Next up for the Olive and Blue will be at the Texas A&M Invitational in College Station, Texas on Friday, Sep. 13th.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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