Cross country teams compete in local Washington University Early Bird Meet
The Fontbonne men and women's cross country team opened up the 2012 season on Saturday at the Washington University Early Bird invitational.
The Griffin women were led by junior Alyssa Tonner (Trinity Catholic HS, St. Louis), who toured a wet 4,000 meter Forest Park course in 16:48. Tonner was followed by freshman Adrienne Kaup (Westminster Christian Academy, St. Louis) and junior Marielle Counts (Lutheran South HS, St. Louis), who finished in 17:21 and 17:58, respectively. Freshman Claire Becker (Bishop O'Hare HS, Kansas City, MO) and junior Marcy Meyer (Bishop DuBourg HS, Shrewsbury, MO) rounded out the Griffin's scoring five.
The men were paced by sophomore Justin Horneker (St. Mary's, St. Louis), who battled tough competition to finish 111th in the 6,000 meter race. Close behind Horneker were senior Dillon Klaffer (Notre Dame HS, Cape Girardeu, MO) and freshman Christian Sellars (Southwest HS, Washburn, MO). Senior Shea Naes (Fox HS, St. Louis) also scored for the Griffins.
Saturday's meet was the head coaching debut for coach Jake Shaver, who comes to Fontbonne from Aurora University (IL). Says Shaver, "I think we are off to a nice start. I'm very pleased with the team as a whole. They have an excellent attitude toward training and are committed to doing the little things the right way. I'm looking forward a great season."
The cross country team will be back in action next Saturday at the Maryville Classic.