Bowling Green State University Athletics
Culp Places Fifth In Mel Brodt Invitational
September 13, 2003 | Men's Cross Country
Sept. 13, 2003
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BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The Bowling Green State Universitiy men's and women's cross country teams hosted the Mel Brodt Invitational Saturday afternoon (Sept. 13) on the BGSU campus. The Falcon men placed fifth of six Division-I teams, while the BGSU women were second of eight D-I schools. Overall, the Falcon women finished second of 13 teams, while the BG men placed 12th.
Individually, senior Amber Culp led the women, placing fifth of 144 total finishers in the women's 5K race. Culp's time of 18:15.00 topped her previous course best (19:05) by nearly a full minute. On the men's side, freshman Edgar Ramirez led the Falcons for the second time in three weeks, placing 27th out of 113 total runners in a time of 26:58.24.
Oakland University's Kristie Kieffer was the individual winner of the women's race, while The Golden Grizzlies' Adam Frezza was the men's race champion.
On the men's side, freshman Vivien Briard was the second Falcon to cross the finish line. Briard, in his first collegiate race, place 61st overall in a time of 28:14.00. Other BGSU men to finish the race included Jeff Wright (74th, 28:48.00), Steve Vairetta (78th, 28:57.72), Kris Lachowski (87th, 29:31.00), Patrick Maynard (95th, 30:05.00) and Aaron Hemmelgarn (111th, 32:51.00).
"The men's overall team finish was a disappointment," said BGSU head coach Cami Wells. "Our goal was to race well against Ohio University and we didn't accomplish that today. Some of our veterans struggled and that is something we have to get under control in future races.
"I was pleased with several of the newcomers' efforts today, however. Edgar Ramirez had another strong race, and Vivien Briard had a decent start to his season today. I thought Jeff Wright and Steve Vairetta both ran competitive races, competing in their first 8K ever. Edwin Cheriuyot was running number two for us until a little after the three-mile mark where he pulled up due to his ongoing knee injury."
For the Falcon women, freshman Andrea Pollack was the second finisher, placing 12th overall in a time of 18:41.00. Other BGSU finishers included Niki Suitor (17th, 18:54.00), Bridget Dalic (21st, 19:05.00), Elise Gould (23rd, 19:07.00), Melissa Krueger (29th, 19:15.00), Emily Jackson (35th, 19:24.37), Kim Settle (47th, 19:44.00), Caroline Kipchaba (51st, 19:50.60), Leighann Kramer (55th, 19:54.00), Leslie Carden (59th, 19:59.00), Jayme Ramson (103rd, 21:22.00), Ellen Alkire (131st, 23:34.00) and Marquita McGowan (137th, 24:27.00).
"On the women's side our goal was to win, and we fell short of that goal," said Wells. "Central Michigan ran very well today. I was happy with the women's team. They raced hard and fought out there, but we just didn't have quite enough to beat Central today. At this point I would say Central is definitely one of the contenders for the MAC title and we look forward to racing against them again later this season.
"Amber Culp ran a strong race, finishing her last Mel Brodt meet with her best time ever on our home course. Freshmen Andrea Pollack and Bridget Dalic continue to be solid top-five runners for us. Niki Suitor continues to improve every race and moved up to our number-three spot today.
Elise Gould ran possibly her best race ever as a Falcon, finishing in the number-five spot on the team. Melissa Krueger struggled a bit today and slipped to number six, but she has looked incredibly strong in practice and is having a very good season. Emily Jackson continues to look impressive as a solid top-seven runner for us."
The Falcons now prepare for next Saturday's (Sept. 20) Toledo Invitational, the team's last race in Northwest Ohio this season.
"The Toledo Invite will give us a chance to go head to head with several MAC schools, including Toledo, Eastern Michigan (women), Kent State, Ohio and Akron," said Wells.
"As for today's meet, I would like to extend a special thank you to all the parents, alumni, family and Falcon fans that came out to the meet to cheer us on. Your support is greatly appreciated."
