LCSC cross country teams both finish No. 21 at nationals

11-18-06

LOUISVILLE, Ky. ­– Lewis-Clark State College junior Calin Hantau finished 10th to earn All-American honors at the 2006 NAIA Cross Country National Championships at Tom Sawyer Park on Saturday.

Hantau’s finish helped the Warrior men place 21st overall in the meet, which is the same spot the Warrior women finished in their portion of the meet.

Hantau, who is from Sighisoara, Romania, was timed in 25 minutes and 2.85 seconds to place in the top 10. Shane Carlos of the University of British Columbia edged Hantau for ninth place as he finished in a time of 25:02.

After Hantau, LCSC’s next finisher was Ciprian Nitoi, who came in 128th overall in 26:50.70. LCSC finished 15 points behind fellow Region I competitor, Concordia of Oregon, which wound up 20th overall.

On the women’s side, Emily Perkins led the Warriors as she finished in 91st place in a time of 19:30.35. Taryn Joyce-Mendive was next at 139 in 19:52.15, while Darrah Hocum was the No. 155 finisher in 19:58.30.

The Warriors finished with 507 points, 20 behind the No. 20 finisher Concordia of Nebraska.

Simon Fraser University claimed its fourth consecutive women's national championship, while Virginia Intermont College claimed its third consecutive men's crown.

Simon Fraser won after besting Cedarville University (Ohio) 73-92 points. Genevieve Binsfield of Minot State University (N.D.) took home individual honors with a time of 17:38.2.

Virginia Intermont won the men's title with a team score of 67 points while Concordia University (Calif.) finished second with 136 points. LCSC had 467 points. Virginia Intermont was paced by David Cheromei who claimed individual medalist honors in a time of 24:05.15.

The top 30 finishers in each race earned All-American honors.

LCSC men – 10, Calin Hantau 25:02.85. 128, Ciprian Nitoi 26:50. 70. 135, Aaron Galbraith 26:55.25. 172, Phil Vincent 27:20.00. 183, Eric Tuwei, 27:25.00. 185, Brett Fowler 27:26.35. 242, Anton Sousa, 29:08.50.

LCSC women – 91, Emily Perkins 19:30.35. 139, Taryn Joyce-Mendive 19:52.15. 155, Darrah Hocum 19:58.3. 165, Katja Palm-Loevslett, 20:04.05. 193, Kyli Astle 20:21.25. 211, Lindsay Szybura 20:32.00. 242, April Homan 21:07.02.