Memphis Cross Country Finishes Strong at NCAA South Regional

The University of Memphis women's cross country team placed 22nd of 24 teams at the NCAA South Regional hosted by Auburn University on Saturday. Meanwhile, Memphis Tiger Adam Didyk placed 30th individually against a field of nearly 200 runners.

Didyk ran a 31:19.88 in the 8K race. The senior from Adelaide, Australia was competing individually attempting to qualify for the NCAA Championships.

Memphis' women's squad hoped to gain valuable experience at the NCAA Regional meet which was an open event. Senior Ali Baker was the Tigers' top runner, placing 100th with a time of 23:35.82 in the 6K race. Mary Claire Dake placed 120th with a time of 24:01.88 and was followed by Daniele Riendeau (142nd, 24:31.62), Kara Cassel (155th, 25:17.72), Becca McMahon (158th, 25:23.77), Nora Nemere (161st, 25:28.37) and Michel Wilson (166th, 25:40:63). The Tigers accumulated 641 points as a team and placed 22nd.

Vicky Gill of Florida State was the top woman's finisher overall, clocking a 19:48.04. She was followed by Tiffany McWilliams of Mississippi State (20:42.60), Homan, Bente General of South Florida (20:53.57), Brooke Novak of Tennessee (20:54.80) and Wanyioke, all of whom advanced to the NCAA Championships. Tennessee was the top women's team while Florida State was second.

In the men's race, Simon Ngata of Georgia was the top finisher, sprinting across the finish line in a time of 30:10.48, passing Florida State's Joep Tigchelaar in the final stretch (30:11.08). The next five were Steven Kocsis of Chattanooga (30:24.00), Kyle Rabbitt of Georgia Tech (30:25.11), Philip Bett of Georgia (30:27.75), Steve Zieminski of Florida (30:27.99) and Tim Kelly of Tennessee (30:29.58), all of whom advance to the NCAA Championships.

Georgia was the top overall men's team followed by Florida State. The championships will be Nov. 24 at Byrnes Park/Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course in Waterloo, Iowa.