By Maegan Green, Sports Editor
The Blazers Cross Country teams recently represented Hood at the Blue Hen Invitational, hosted by theUniversityofDelaware. Hood competed against DII and DIII schools in the event, which was held atWhiteClayCreekState ParkinWilmington.
The men’s team finished in second place behindGettysburgon a seven team field. The women were tied for fourth place withStocktonCollegeamong nine colleges.
Brett Shelley (’13) had an exceptional performance. He posted the fastest time on a hilly surface in Hood history.
Alyssa Peterson (’14) also had an impressive day. Peterson finished in 25:53:55 in a 6000-meter contest on a sloped course. This time ranks in the top 50 fastest in club history.
“Everyone has a pretty good base,” said Peterson. “We’ve all started out pretty strong. It is still very early in the season and it’s a good prelude of things to come,” she added.
Gretchen Whitesell also had a remarkable say. She finished the 6000-meter course in 26:22:93.
“We have a really cohesive unit,” said Peterson. “I’d love to hit some school records. It’s great to get out there and face new competition,” she added. “We’re getting a feel for our new conference.”
The men’s team was one of seven teams competing in the contest and now are 9-2 on the season. Shelley finished seventh overall in the combined race, which included Division I teams, with a time of 27:50:03. This was the tenth best time in Hood history.
“It is still very early in the season, and I look forward to improving and competing,” said Shelley. “Some came through when we needed them and we could use some improvement.”
Dan Jacobs (’14) finished in 28:20:08, which was the 22nd fastest time in club history. It was also the fourth fastest time on a sloped course in club history.
“They are making great progress,” said head coach, Brent Ayer. “The good thing is, we have a lot of depth,” he added. The women’s team has three all-conference athletes. No other sport at Hood has this distinction.
The Blazers while starting well are pointing toward two races. One of the biggest events of the year is the Hood College Open on Oct. 20. Twelve schools will be competing in this event. The other is the Middle Atlantic Conference championship which will take place on Oct. 27.
“Right now, we are training hard,” said Ayer. “Every meet is a build up to the conference championship.” The Blazers will compete at the Paul Short Invitational hosted byLehighUniversityon Sept. 28.
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