WSSU and Chowan compete in Cross Country Regional Meet

November 6, 2011

SLIPPERY ROCK, PA – The CIAA was well represented at the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Cross Country meet, Saturday morning in Slippery Rock, PA.  Winston-Salem State's men's and women's teams made their second straight appearance since rejoining the conference and Chowan's women's squad made history with their first-ever appearance as members of NCAA Division II

Though the WSSU teams both gave great efforts, injuries and some cold weather proved to be too much for the teams to overcome. WSSU senior Aaron Barnes led the way for the Rams, placing 72nd at the event with a 35:13 in the men’s 10K run. Fellow senior Desmond Wiggan added an 83rd place finish with a 35:37 in the event. WSSU’s Fabian White ended the day with a 151st place finish with a 40:29 in the event. Two-tie reigning Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) individual champion Andrew Chebii was unable to complete the race as an injury sidelined him.

The Lady Rams also had some great efforts with junior Tyrah Winfrey leading the way, placing 122nd with a 26:34 in the women’s 6K run. Two-time defending CIAA individual champion Brittney Killebrew placed 128th with a 26:42 in the meet. Junior Manuela Rigaud placed 141st with a 27:20.

Chowan Rookie Gerlisa Shipman trekked the 6K course in 29:55, along with junior Lacey Wildeboer who also finished in 29:55.  Senior Stephany Powell finished with a time of 30:23.

For the fourth consecutive year, Shippensburg University won the NCAA DII Atlantic Regional Meet and advances to the NCAA DII National Championship.  Lock Haven and Bloomsburg also advanced to the NCAA DII National Championship by finishing in second and third place, respectively.

The effort ends the cross country season for the Rams and the Lady Rams as no WSSU runners qualified for the 2011 NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships.

Complete results can be found at http://www.rockathletics.com/custompages/stats/XC/2011%20Meets/2011AtlanticWomen.HTML