Hokie Runners Take First In Highland Duel

By Carissa Nichols
October 4, 2008

The Hokies cross country team competed against Queen's University in Charlotte, North Carolina the Highland Duel, Friday Oct. 3, in non-scored meet. 

In the women's three-mile race Virginia Tech's Tasmin Fanning finished first with a time of 16:54. Following behind Fanning was Jessica Fanning at 17:40, Erin Reddan at 17:50, and Natalie Kretzer at 17:55 who took the second through fourth place finishes.

Coach Ben Thomas of the Hokies said, "We executed well and ran the race as a cut down. [Tasmin] really brought it home the last mile.  This made for a great workout for us as we get ready for the Championship Season." 

Tech's men ran a three-mile race as well.  Devin Cornwall came in first with a time of 15:12.   Thomas said, "The men had a nice pack with our top eight all being within 16 seconds of one another.  Again, a nice cut-down workout for us and a good effort, considering the altitude here and a bit of a slow track. We are really looking forward to Arkansas."

Tech will compete at the Chili Pepper Invitational at the University of Arkansas on Oct. 18.