Aug. 31, 2007

COLUMBIA, S.C. - In its first cross country meet since 2003, USC Upstate had a good showing at the Gamecock Invitational held at Fort Jackson Friday.

Upstate's best finisher of the day came on the women's side with sophomore Emily Tangwar finishing in seventh place overall with a time of 18:41.89. Junior Maria Ruvalcaba turned in the second-best time for the Spartans just in ahead of senior Jamie Young, senior Veronica Lewis, and freshman Kiah White. Aja Jackson of UNC Charlotte won the women's race at a time of 18:02.20 as the 49ers took the team title.

On the men's side, sophomore Matt Henderson was the leading runner for the Spartans, finishing his run in 16:47.67 in 22nd place overall. Freshman Conrad Goeringer was 41st overall with a time of 17:26.69. Freshman Drew Goode and junior Brent Durden were the third- and fourth-best finishers for Upstate just ahead of junior Kevin Brabham. Chase Eckard of UNC Charlotte took the men's race with a time of 15:36.37 and the 49ers took all of the top five positions for the team title.

Upstate will host the Eye Opener cross country meet Saturday, Sept. 8 at 8:30 a.m. at Milliken Research Park in Spartanburg.