The Cavaliers opened the 2009 season at their home Cavalier Kickoff Classic held on the Black Mountain Campus, on their newly developed cross country course. The event was held this past Saturday and hosted nearly 200 high school and collegiate runners.

"From the initial responses, I think this was a tremendous event. We've really made an effort to make Western North Carolina's high school programs aware of our great course," said Coach Larios. "The weather and the course conditions were perfect for racing. I felt it was a great success."

Bryan College swept the college division. Montreat finished second in both the men's and women's competition.

"Bryan looked great today. I think we ran as expected. We still have a long way to go until November," added Larios. "We'll keep on working to get these kids in shape. They have a great attitude and work ethic, which will be tested in the next coming weeks."

Top 3 Men's Team Results                Individual Places

1  Bryan College   15                            1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8

2  Montreat College   50                      6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15

3  Tenn. Wesleyan   81                       11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

Top 3 Women's Team Results

1  Bryan College   22                            2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 12

2  Montreat College   45                       5, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 24

3  Tenn. Wesleyan    70                       1, 14, 16, 18, 21, 22, 23

The Cavaliers were led by 2008 AAC Runner of the Year, Wilbourn Kosgei. Kosgei managed to finish 6^th in a 4-mile time of 21:53.17. Ben Hall and team captain Daniel Dunn finished 9^th (22:40.98) and 10^th (23:16.84), respectively.

The Lady Cavaliers were led by 2008 national cross country qualifiers, Lindsay Mizok and Elisabeth Elliot. Mizok finished in 5^th place overall in a 5K time of 21:08.45, while Elliot finished in 8^th overall with a time of 22:05.77.

Montreat will be off next weekend as they continue to prepare for the bulk of their season. Their next meet will be at Appalachian State University on September 18, 2009.

Full Team and Individual Results