University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Mountaineer Open
Cross Country Men Finish First At Blue Ridge Open
October 17, 2008 | Cross Country
Oct. 17, 2008
BOONE, N.C. - The North Carolina men's cross country team was back in action for the first time in two weeks and put the rest to good use as the Tar Heels captured the Blue Ridge Open in Boone, N.C. Friday afternoon by a 10-point margin. Zack Dawson led the way with a fourth-place finish in a time of 24:22 edging out the duo of Adam Cunningham and Evan Watchempino who finished sixth and seventh to fuel the Tar Heel win. The Tar Heels tallied just 43 points beating out the 25 other teams, including a trio of ACC teams.
Following behind Dawson's sub-five minute mile pace was the duo of Cunningham and Watchempino with Cunningham finishing the 8K course in 24:54 and 24:55, respectively. With three runners in the top seven things were looking up for the Tar Heels as John Curtiss finished fourth amongst the group and 11th overall in a time of 25:10. Senior Brock Baker closed out the Tar Heel scoring with his 15th overall finish. Baker tackled the Covered Bridge course in a time of 25:19.
Also performing well for the Tar Heels Friday afternoon was senior Ian Bracy who finished 17th overall in a time of 25:27. Carolina placed seven runners in the top 30 as senior Jeremy Cramer was the 30th overall finisher with a time of 25:45. Also in action for North Carolina was Matthew Kiplagat who finished with a time of 26:58 in the event.
This was the final tuneup for the Tar Heel men before the ACC Championships scheduled for Nov. 1 in Chapel Hill. Carolina held off a trio of ACC schools on Friday as the Tar Heels beat out rival Duke along with Clemson and Miami.
Players Mentioned
