Tulane University
Texas A&M Invitational
Cheruiyot Smashes Records at Texas A&M Invitational
Sep 13, 2024 | Cross Country
COLLEGE STATION, Tx. - Top-five overall team finishes from both the men's and women's cross country teams with PRs all around highlighted the Texas A&M Invitational here Friday morning.
"Today was a good day for the program and our growth this fall," director of cross country / track & field Adrian Myers said. "We saw a lot of athletes on both sides continue our strong training trajectory but also give some opportunities for development."
Freshman Bernard Cheruiyot toed the line in 22:50.4 for a new school and Watts Cross Country Course record in the men's 8k. The previous school record of 23:04.8 was held by recent graduate Bradley Makuvire, ran in 2023.
"Bernard is that dude and if folks don't know, now they know," Myers stated. "I love to watch his fire for competition and training daily. He understands what it takes and is very driven to be great. We're very proud of his school and course records today."
The next four male finishers from Tulane all ran personal bests, contributing to their fifth place team finish. Juan Giron placed 27th at 24:24.8, Tucker Poshard clocked 24:34.0 for 32nd, Paul Law ran 24:46.5 for 39th, and Henry Hammel toed the line at 25:25.7 for 69th.
On the women's side, junior Paula Vaquera debuted her 2024 season in a new personal best 5k time of 17:15.0 to place fourth overall and lead Tulane to their fourth place team finish.
"Paula led the women today running down the final stretch towards victory and came up just a little short, but with where we are in training, she's well ahead of last year. The goal is to keep her there and have her best season yet," Myers said.
Alex Sharp was next to cross the line for the Green Wave, clocking a PR 17:58.0 for 21st. Lily Porth finished at 18:07.1 to place 28th, another PR, while completing the top five finishers for the Olive and Blue were Reese Ragland and Allison Hall. Ragland landed 34th overall at 18:12.9 while Hall took 43rd at a PR of 18:32.9.
"We had tremendous performances from Alex Sharp and Juan Giron today showing our depth is growing by the week," Myers explained. "There was a lot to be proud of today - October and November will be very exciting for the Wave."
Up next, the Green Wave will head to Thibodaux, Louisiana, to compete in the Nicholls Invitational hosted by Nicholls State on Saturday, September 28.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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