Tech Cross Country Sweeps Red Raider Open
September 12, 2014 | Cross Country
Sept. 12, 2014
LUBBOCK, Texas -- The Texas Tech men's and women's cross country teams shined at the annual Red Raider Open, taking both individual titles, in Lubbock, Texas, on Friday.
Five hours before the first race, race officials decided to totally change the course, due to the weather conditions. The Red Raiders were not fazed, navigating the course on their way to sweeping the individual titles.
"This was a nice win for both teams, especially considering the environment and change of course," Texas Tech head coach Jon Murray said. "Our runners did not let the race conditions affect their race plan. They handled it like pros. Both teams competed well and this is another step toward where we want to be."
On the men's side, Evans Tuitoek won the individual title, finishing the 8,000 meters in 24:01.06, more than three seconds ahead of the field. The Red Raiders landed four men in the overall top 10. Joining Tuitoek were Nick Rivera (24:35.41), who took fourth, Daniel Wedell (24:49.41), who finished sixth and Seraiah Pineda (24:59.28), who took 10th.
For the Lady Raiders, Jocelyn Caro won her second race in as many tries in 2014. Her 5,000 meter time of 20:25.68 was more than 20 seconds faster than the rest of the field. Caro also won the individual title at the UTEP-Texas Tech-New Mexico State Triangular, two weeks ago.
"Jocelyn looked great today," Murray said. She's having an excellent start to the season. She had a solid race and ran well from the front."
Caro was joined by four other Red Raiders, as Tech was responsible for half of the top 10. Sharlene Nickle (20:59.22) placed fourth, Erica Brown (21:03.18) took fifth, Madeline Livergood (21:17.21) finished eighth and Jasmine Torres (21:20.09) took ninth.
Texas Tech will be back in action Sept. 20, at the Texas A&M Invitational, in College Station, Texas.
Players Mentioned
