University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
UNC Challenge
Tar Heels Open Season With Strong Showings At UNC Challenge
September 13, 2008 | Cross Country
Sept. 13, 2008
Women's Results: vs. Wake Forest | vs. Campbell | vs. Milligan | vs. NC A&T
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The North Carolina men's and women's cross country teams started their seasons on a strong note on Saturday in Chapel Hill at the UNC Challenge. The men took first place as newcomer Evan Watchempino captured the overall title traversing the 8K course in 25:50.32. The women were led by Lauren Holesh in their 5K event as the junior clocked in at 18:05.00 to claim the overall title as the Tar Heels won three of four dual meets. Carolina will take three weeks to prepare for the Notre Dame Invitational on Oct. 3.
The Tar Heel men were dominant in their opening run of the season as Carolina took the top seven spots in the race with UCLA transfer Evan Watchempino claiming the top spot in 25:50.32. A group of four Tar Heels crossed the finish line during the 26 minute mark with redshirt freshman Adam Cunningham taking second place in 26:14.89 just ahead of Zack Dawson (26:26.89). Closing out the scoring for Carolina was Jeremy Cramer who finished fourth overall (26:33.64) and senior Brock Baker who placed fifth in a time of 26:54.42. The Tar Heels 15 points put them in a comfortable first place, while Campbell (77 points) took second and Millagan (80) placed third.
The Tar Heel women were in a bit closer of a race as Holesh led the Tar Heel brigade across the line. Wake Forest was the lone team to knock off the Tar Heels as the meet was scored as a dual meet. The Tar Heels fell 28-27 to the Demon Deacons as they claimed second through fourth before senior Morgan Stengel took fifth in a time of 18:51.00. Freshman Ashley Verplank finished 18 seconds behind Stengel for sixth place in a time of 19:07.00. Courtlin LaReau finished in a time of 19:24.00 for sole possession of seventh place. Becky Johnson closed out the scoring but was beat out by Wake Forest's Whitney Curry who secured a victory for Wake Forest as Johnson finished with a 5K time of 19:51.00.
The Tar Heels cruised in their other matchups against Campbell (17-38), Milligan (17-38) and NC A&T (15-40).
The Tar Heel women will have three weeks to prepare for the traditionally strong Notre Dame Invitational on Oct. 3. The Carolina men will compete the next day at the Hagan Stone Classic in Greensboro, N.C.
Players Mentioned
