Sept. 1, 2007

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. - Kennesaw State had a strong beginning to the 2007 season as the men's cross country team finished a respectable second place at the Jacksonville State University Cross Country Opener at the Jacksonville Industrial Park.

The Owls (5-1) second place finish was secured by last season's Atlantic Sun Conference All-Freshman runner Peikko Solla (15:20) who finished seventh. Kennesaw State faced strong competition from host Jacksonville State who won the event. The Gamecocks' Jeff Rhodes won the three mile event followed by teammates Ryan McKay in third and Marius Sava in fourth.

Kennesaw State also received points from 10th place finisher Piotr Witczak (15:31.5), 11th place runner Matt Auers (1531.9), 13th place runner Steven Murray (15:36), and 14th place freshman runner Matteo DiCecco (15:38).

With 41 points, Kennesaw State (7-10-11-13-14) finished 22 points behind Jacksonville State and 40 points ahead of third place West Georgia.

"Our team still needs some work to get where we need to be," said head coach Stan Sims. "Our freshmen had a big day. We expect to get more strong finishes out of Piotr, Steven and Matteo this season."

The Owls will be back in action on Saturday, September 8 when they will participate in the Mercer Invitational.

 

 

2007 Jacksonville State University Cross Country Season Opener

Team Results
1. Jacksonville State 19; 2. Kennesaw State 41; 3. West Georgia 81; 4. Morehouse 88; 5. Mobile 156; 6. Fort Valley State 166.

Kennesaw State 3-Mile Results
7. Peikko Solla - 15:20
10. Piotr Witczak - 15:31.5
11. Matthew Auers - 15:31.9
13. Steven Murray - 15:36
14. Matteo DiCecco - 15:38
15. Nathan Haskins - 15:46
16. Michael Johnson - 15:47