Tech men place seventh; Boit posts third win against deep field at Sam Bell Invitational
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Compared to last week’s Mountain Dew Invitational, the Tech men’s cross country team faced a smaller but more challenging field at Indiana University’s inaugural Sam Bell Invitational.
By Layne Weitzel, TTU Sports Information
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Compared to last week's Mountain Dew Invitational, the Tech men's cross country team faced a smaller but more challenging field at Indiana University's inaugural Sam Bell Invitational.
Tech collected 152 points to finish in seventh place for the 8k race on the IU Championship Cross Country Course.
FINAL TEAM STANDINGS
- Indiana (38 points) – ranked No. 27 in the USTFCCCA National Coaches' Poll
- Columbia (70 points) – No. 28 in the National Coaches' Poll
- Guelph (84 points)
- Nebraska (89 points)
- Miami (OH) [131 points] – No. 10 in the Great Lakes Region
- Bradley (134 points) – No. 7 in the Midwest Region
- TENNESSEE TECH (152 points) – No. 10 in the South Region
- Windsor (189 points)
- Chicago State (278 points)
"I was pleased with the team's overall performance today," said head coach Wayne Angel. "They gave their best against a formidable field on a very difficult course. We learned and experienced a lot today. We are a very good conference team and a very respectable region program, but we have a ways to go before we can say we have arrived on a national level."
Sophomore Gilbert Boit won the meet in 24:39.59, edging out competitors Wyatt McGuire from Nebraska and Ben Veatch from Indiana. It marked his third win in as many meets this season.
Boit has continued to etch his name in the Tech record books, posting the seventh-fastest 8k time in program history today. Seven of the top 10 times, including the top four, are his.
"Boit was spectacular today," said Angel. "He led from start to finish and won with ease. It's very impressive that he is still undefeated at this point in the season."
Brannon Cheplak was next for Tech, finishing 21st with a time of 25:14.44. Sammy Kipkirui placed 32nd in 25:38.54. Benard Sigei followed in fourth, placing 56th in 26:13.81. Hannes Vohn placed 76th in 26:47.37 to round out Tech's five scorers.
Ababu Mohamed placed 82nd in 26:59.99, and Joshua Daugherty finished 95th in 28:57.69.
"These Golden Eagles are not afraid to get after it and compete," said Angel. "I can't wait until the OVC Championships to see what they can do."
