Tigers Run Well in Opening Meet

IRVINE, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2007) – Occidental women’s cross country made a statement at the UCI Invitational on Saturday, finishing third, while their male counterparts came away with a fifth-place team finish at the event.

The Tiger women were led by sophomore Maddie Weissman, who clocked in at 17:36.60 for the highest finish (12th) among all Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference competitors. Fellow sophomore Grace Peck crossed the finish line in 17:52.90. Denali Halsey rounded out the top three for the women with a time of 18:07.60.

The defending SCIAC Champion men’s team was in fine form as well. Kevin Chavez and Alex Ramon started off their final season right where they had hoped to, atop the pack. The senior Tiger duo placed third and fourth, finishing the course in 24:42.20 and 24:43.10 respectively. Chavez was just eight seconds off the leader and was the top SCIAC finisher in the meet.

Both teams will be back in action on Saturday, Sept. 15 when they travel to the Redlands Invitational. Runners will begin at 8 a.m.