MCC Cross Country Places Second At USM

From School Reports

The Meridian Community College Cross Country Team returned to action Saturday with the men placing second at the Southern Miss Invitational.

The men were led with two top 10 finishers with Djano Sedrick placing 7^th in a time of 17:49.40 and Cristian Lopez finishing 10^th in 18:10.50.

Rounding out the men’s scoring was Tyler Warren (12^th, 18:31.50), Josh Austin (13^th, 18:56.30) and David Odom (16^th 19:44.40). 

“I thought the men ran well today,” Head Coach Chip Gayden said. “We made improvement from our last meet.  It is just really tough to run fast times in this humidity.   We are pleased with a second place finish against quality teams.”

On the women’s side, the team was led again by Esmeralda Rodriguez with a 12^th place finish in a time of 21:50.00 and Breanna Ivey finished 26^th in a time of 25:38.30.

“We ran ok on the women’s side today,” Gayden said.  “I thought we were a little sluggish and never really got in a rhythm early in the race.  When you can’t do that, it makes for a tough day.”

Both teams return to action on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Delta State for the Delta State Cross Country Invitational.