IRVINE, Calif. --- The Biola cross country teams opened their 2008 seasons in the featured races at the Asics/UCI Invitational at the Anteater Recreation Center Fields Saturday.
The women's finished eighth out of thirteen teams in the "A" race which had UC Irvine and UCLA going 1-2 in the team scoring. Despite the tough competition, Biola managed to pack the quintet of sophomore Katie Thede (21st - 18:40.70), freshman Carissa Bowman (29th - 18:45.90), junior Kristin Schmidt (38th - 19:01.10), sophomore Kelsey Gasner (44th - 19:06.50) and freshman Nychele Fischetti (56th - 19:70.90) within just 37 seconds of each other. The Eagles combined for a quick 94:52 total time, ranking it among the fastest opening team time in the school's history.
Completing the Eagle finishers in the women's race were sophomore Sarah Brooks (97th - 20:19), sophomore Danielle Calhoun (110th - 20:36), sophomore Erika Perez (121st - 21:11), Freshman Katie Sikkelee (122nd - 21:13), freshman Clarissa Kenney (145th - 22:29), and freshman Brooke Forsi (150th - 23:11).
Biola's men's squad duplicated its' 2007 eleventh place finish again as UCLA and UC Irvine went 1-2 in the team scoring. The Eagles were led by freshmen David Ricksecker, who placed 64th in 27:29 and junior Kyle McNulty who crossed in 74th place with a time of 27:44.
Other finishers for Biola were sophomore Rob Clarkson (104th - 28:57), junior Mike Morin (113th - 29:14), freshman Smith (116th - 29:41), senior Jared Bird (118th - 29:43), junior Evan Thibodeau (119th - 29:48), freshman Ryan Houghton (132nd - 31:51) and Matt Arroues (135th - 32:21).
"This was a very good start for both the men and women's teams," said Biola head coach Jonathan Zimmerman. "We did a lot of things very well. Last year the women were at the top of the "B" race and now we are right in the thick of things in the featured race.
"On the men's side it is great to see that we are holding our own despite the graduation of All-American Brian Ball last year," said Zimmerman.
Biola returns to action on Saturday (Sept. 13), participating in the San Diego State Aztec Invitational.
Complete Meet Results can be found at: http://ucirvinesports.cstv.com/sports/c-xc/stats/2008-2009/asicsucicc-2.html
