November 10, 2012 -- NCAA South/Southeast Region XC Championships (from CNUsports.com)

Post date: Nov 13, 2012 3:37:03 PM

Gamache Qualifies for Cross Country Nationals as CNU Wraps Up NCAA Regionals

Gamache placed fifth overall with a time of 25:55.84

11/10/2012 1:48:00 PM

Men's Results // Women's Results

HAMPTON, Ga. -- In a spectacular performance on Saturday morning, senior standout Ray Gamache finished fifth at the NCAA South/Southeast Cross Country Regionals and qualified for the national meet while headlining Christopher Newport's efforts at the Nash Farm Battlefield.

Guided by Gamache's performance, the men placed seventh out of 23 teams with a score of 197. That marks Christopher Newport's top finish on the men's side at the regionals since a sixth-place showing in 2005. The women also finished 12th out of 26 squads after amassing a score of 319.

During the 8k race, Gamache kept up with the lead pack and eventually crossed the line in 25:55.84, which was less than 40 seconds off the winning pace. With that performance, he automatically qualified for the national meet, becoming the first member of the men's team to accomplish that since David Woodson in 2008.

Finishing second on the team, freshman phenom Josh Showalter placed 45th in the field after cruising to a time of 27:19.11. Aaron Zook also captured a top-50 finish after placing two spots behind his teammate in 27:22.36.

Rounding out a strong effort by the team's top-five runners, Bradley Turner notched a 52nd-place showing in 27:37.34, while Daniel Austin crossed just three seconds later in 56th. Donovan Lewin also clocked in at 28:15.63 and Michael Hoy placed in 28:22.31.

On the women's side, Alexa Tabackman posted the top time on the team after finishing the 6k in 24:36.40, which was good enough for 54th in the field of 184 competitors. Erin Rolaf was right on her heels at the finish after leading her freshman teammate the entire way, crossing just five seconds later in 56th.

In addition to Tabackman, three other first-year standouts were among CNU's top-five finishers. Eliza Eaton notched a time of 25:05.29, which placed her 71st in the field, while fellow freshmen Melissa Rizor and Deanna Corts finished 77th and 82nd, respectively. Capping off Christopher Newport's efforts, Jessica McClelland crossed in 26:41.61.

The National Championship meet will be held on November 17 at the Lavern Gibson XC Course in Terre Haute, Indiana.

---CNU---

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