Robert Lathers
- Aug 30, 2018

Raider Cross Country Teams Run Well at Rainy, Muddy, Rugged Saranac Invitational

Portland Men's Cross Country Coach, Andy Pulling was enthusiastic in his assessment of his team's effort at the Saranac Cross Country Invitational on Wednesday. "This was a good race. The course is more rugged than most courses and considering the rain, mud and generally soggy conditions we ran well today". It rained steadily during most of the men's race and many fans lined the course huddling under their umbrellas. "We ran well", Pulling continued, "I am happy with how we attacked the course" Coach Pulling noted the positive attitude that exists on the team right now and highlighted Sophomore Carter Rosier's effort today. Carter finished in the top fifty runners and was the second Portland Runner to cross the finish line. "Carter ran a very good, clear minded race today" Pulling said.

Senior Blaine Rosier metaled for the second straight race, finishing first for Portland and 20th overall with a time of 18:57. Carter Rosier (20:20); Andrew Seavy (20:44); Ben Wasmus (21:42) and Cullen Rapson (21:57) were the top five finishers for the Raiders followed by Andrew Pace (22:43); Iggy Arleth (23:02) and Ben Stallard (24:43).

The rain stopped before the Women's race began immediately following the Men's race. But, conditions continued to be wet, slippery and challenging. During the Men's race several runners from visiting teams slipped and fell on wet pavement about a quarter mile from the finish line.

The Raider Women's Team competed without the services of their fastest runner, Freshman Madi Luxmore, who was sidelined with an injury. However, Women's Coach Mark Holdren said, "We had a good day. It was nice to run in cooler weather and different conditions. It was muddy, but the team's times were consistent with what they have run so far this year on flatter, drier courses. That's a positive."

Juniors Amber Cross (24:19) and Ari Babcock (24:37) placed overall at 30th and 36th respectively. They were followed by three Freshman Elania Volk (27:32); Alyssa Jack (30:53); and Teaghan Lathers 31:01) who all placed for Portland. They were followed by Mya Collins (31:38); Mary Timmer (31:35); Rylee Brownell (32:14); Olivia Morrow (33:49); Courtney Pohl (35:10) Desiny Foltz (35:18) and Clara Noble (36:57).

Portland's Men's and Women's Cross Country Teams will compete again on Wednesday, September 5th, at the Marauder Invitational at Uncle John's Cider Mill in St. John's.

Pictured above is Junior Amber Cross who placed first for Portland Women's team.