The Fontbonne University men’s and women’s cross country teams finished in third place and second place respectively in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) Cross Country Meet this past weekend in Hillsboro, Illinois.

The women’s team was paced by freshman Rachel Hanson (Rossview HS, Clarksville, TN) who finished in first place in the meet. Freshman Alex Weatherby (Soldan HS, St. Louis, MO) finished 14^th and newcomer freshman Callie Collier (Rolla HS, Rolla, MO) ran beyond pre-race expectations as she finished right behind her teammate in 15^th place. Freshman Tricia Morris (Trinity HS, Florissant, MO) and freshman Sarah Wohlshlager (Northwest HS, House Springs, MO) turned in their top performances of the season as they finished 17^th and 23^rd, respectfully.

Greenville was the overall team champion in the women’s race. Fontbonne University Head Coach Dave Almany said he is pleased the women’s team improved on their fourth place finish in 2006.

“We ran ten women and all ten broke 30:00 (on the 6000 meter course). Last year, on the same course, we had no runner under the 30 minute mark,” Almany said.

The men’s team finished a strong third, only one tantalizing point behind second place Principia. Greenville’ men won the meet for the 13^th consecutive year. Fontbonne’s top five consisted of freshman Everett Jackson (UniversityCity HS, University City, MO), 4^th place; freshman Zach Kassman (Northwest HS, Cedar Hill, MO), 7^th place; freshman Nathan Uding (Ste. Genevieve HS, Ste. Genevieve, MO) 13^th; senior Phil Yates (St. Dominic HS, St. Charles, MO) 14^th place and sophomore Andre Stephens (Forest City HS,Forest City, AR), 16^th place. Freshman Antonio Jones (Forest City HS, Forest City, AR) ran his best race of the year to finish in 19^th place. Jones is closing in on the 30:00 mark, as he ran a personal best time on the 8000 meter course of 30:20.

“Our kids could not have run much better,” Almany said. “I was very pleased with our performances. Greenville and Principia have dominated the conference on both the men and women’s side for 15 years. They now know they have company.”