SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The Wittenberg Tiger cross country program has found a new use for the former Snyder Park Golf Course, turning it into a picturesque course on which to train and compete. The first meet was certainly a success, as Wittenberg's men's and women's teams posted matching first-place finishes in the Wittenberg Invitational.

In addition to the new venue, the event took on added purpose as well, as the Wittenberg men's and women's cross country programs honored former teammate Chase Gage, who died in a car accident in May 2015.

"It was a great day," said Head Coach Craig Penney. "It is a positive first competition for the 2015 season, and our student-athletes and their families really seemed to enjoy the experience. That's what it is all about."

Senior Lorin Conti (Milford, Ohio/Milford) led a contingent of eight Wittenberg runners atop the 31-runner individual standings as the Tigers finished with 15 points to easily outdistance Urbana, Cincinnati Christian and Central State for the team title. Conti crossed the finish line in 20:11, 51 seconds ahead of junior Erin Hord (Madison, Ohio/Madison).

Also scoring for Wittenberg were junior Hannah Meier (North Muskegon, Mich./North Muskegon) in third place, senior Megan Heitkemper (Maineville, Ohio/Kings) in fourth and sophomore Mackenzie Freeman (Lewis Center, Ohio/Olentangy) in fifth.

On the men's side, junior Jon Osman (Troy, Ohio/Troy) led the pack in a time of 16:37, followed just one second later by freshman Charles Rodeheffer (Delaware, Ohio/Olentangy). Senior Courtland Johnson (Versailles, Ky./Woodford County) took fourth, freshman Brad Arledge (Beavercreek, Ohio/Beavercreek) came in sixth, and junior Ethan Raines (Maineville, Ohio/Kings) rounded out the Wittenberg scorers in seventh place. All five Tiger scorers covered the 5K course in 18 minutes or less.

Written By: Ryan Maurer