Cross Country Men And Women Take Second In Home Opener

HOUSTON - The University of Houston cross country team's finish second in the Johnny Morriss Invitational at Buffalo Bayou Park. The men take second to Lamar, following a strong performance from freshman Yonas Tesfai, while the women placed second, behind No. 1 (South Central Region) ranked Texas.

On the men's side, freshman Yonas Tesfai placed first, defeating 2010 NCAA steeplechase qualifier Tom Wade. Tesfai completed the course in a time of 15:20.79, 10 seconds in front of Wade.

"Yonas (Tesfai) was awesome, I am excited to have him in our program," said head coach Ryan Turner. We knew he was going to be good as in our oppinion he was one of the top-30 senior distance runners in America."

Sophomore David Smith followed close behind as he finished third with a time of 15:34.58, while senior Nate Pineda finished ninth (16:16.70).

The trio helped land Houston a second-place finish as a team in front of Sam Houston State and Texas Southern.

Eastern Kentucky transfer Wesley Ruttoh did not compete as he rests a toe injury.

"We are resting Wesley Ruttoh until the Missouri Southern Stampede, once he gets healthy I can see him contributing right away and improving our team."

For the women, Kathryn Ducommun finished 15th with a 12:13 mark, leading the women to a second-place finish. Starla Garcia added another top-20 finish for the Cougars as she finished 18th (12:21). Megan Munoz and Eryn Barosso were soon to follow as Munoz placed 21st (12:35) and Barosso placed 23rd (12:42).

Freshmen Alexis Vick (12:50) and Taylor Beer (12:51) put the Cougars at six top-30 performers, as they placed 26th and 27th, respectively in their first collegiate meet.

"I'm very proud of our women, I thought then ran exceptionally well considering we were competing against one of the top teams in the country. We still have room for improvement, but collectively I thought tonight was a success."

UP NEXT

The Cougars have two weeks to prepare before they make the short trip to the Rice Invitational Friday, September 13.

Houston Men
1. Yonas Tesfai (15:20)
3. David Smith (15:34)
9. Nate Pineda (16:16)
11. Andres Santaolalla (16:23)
17. John Cantu (16:36)
20. Drevan Anderson-Kappa (16:45)
24. Anthony Jordan (16:53)
26. Anthony Coleman (16:58)
27. Mark Fernando (17:02)
33. Doug Kelly (17:35)
34. John Salazar (17:36)
35. Lexington Turner (17:51)

Houston Women
15. Kat Ducommun (12:13)
18. Starla Garcia (12:21)
21. Megan Munoz (12.35)
23. Eryn Barosso (12:42)
26. Alexis Vick (12:50)
27. Taylor Beer (12:51)
36. Julie Reinwald (13:16)
42. Cierra Johnson (13:53)
40. Haili Beam (13:44)
49. Yasiris Gonzalez (14:50)

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