Southeast Classic Brings Out the Best in BU

Rome, Ga. - One of the longest running cross country races in the south was held today at Berry College when the Southeast Classic hosted 27 college women's teams, and Brenau University posted their best ever team time, establishing a new school record of 1:45:17. The Tigers also finished in 14th place, and, even more importantly, were 3rd of the six SSAC schools in attendance.

As was the case in Charlotte two weeks ago, every BU runner established a new personal record. There were a total of 232 competitors at the starting line and Senior Audra Cochran (Stockbridge) again led the way for the Tigers, finishing in 46th place with a time of 20:10. Not far behind was Freshman Ana Lopera (Flowery Branch) in a time of 20:35 (60th) and Junior Maria Gonzalez (Lawrenceville) broke 21 minutes for the first time this season, finishing 72nd with a 20:50 to give Brenau three runners under 21 minutes.

Next up for BU was Regina Ogechi (Kenya), who ran a 21:23, finishing 95th. Senior Monica Muchene (Marietta) finished 117th with a clocking of 22:16; Shkurte Ejupi (Weisbaden, Germany) ran 23:50 (149th) and Sophomore Fatima Talavera (Gainesville) bested her PR by over a minute and a half, posting a 25:34 (160th).

"I am very pleased with the focus this team has shown this season. We just keep pushing forward! Each week our strength shows as a team. We are hoping that Audra will be the first Brenau runner ever to break the 20 minute mark. Our conference race is going to be very exciting and we are looking forward to our first ever trip to Gulfport, MS in two weeks," said Coach Susan McIntyre.