The Wittenberg men's and women's cross country teams ran well in the biggest race - in terms of the size of the field - they will take part in all year. Among NCAA Division III schools, Wittenberg's men finished 15th in the 20-team field at the All-Ohio Championships at Ohio Wesleyan on Friday. The Tiger women placed 13th out of 20 teams.
Both finishes were significant improvements over 2004, and the Tigers were competitive with most of the other NCAC schools in the fields.
The Tiger men put three runners in the top 90, led by sophomore Mike Echols (Springfield, Ohio/North), who placed 71st in a time of 29:11. Freshman Gabe Savage (Lewisburg, Ohio/Tri-County North) placed 80th in 29:35 and senior Chris Petrik (Highland Heights, Ohio/Mayfield Heights) added an 86th place finish as he covered the 8K course in a time of 29:54.
All five Tiger runners on the women's side who scored in the meet placed in the top 90 and three broke the 22-minute barrier on the 5K course. Freshman Jessica Rizzo (Benningtor, Ind./South Dearborn) led the way for the first time this year, crossing the finish line in a time of 21:19. She was followed by senior Anna Finkelstein (Whitehall, Mich./Reeths-Puffer) in 68th place in 21:34 and freshman Erin Hedrick (Springfield, Ohio/Shawnee) in 74th place in 21:47.
The final tune-up for the North Coast Athletic Conference championship meet at Denison on Oct. 29 takes place Friday at Wilmington. The Tigers then have a week off.