FGCU Invitational Summary

Robert Brown

 

The start of the 2012 collegiate cross country season is kicks off this weekend and the schedule abounds with knock the rust off / eye opener / early bird meets. In that tradition Florida Gulf Coast University opened the season in southwest Florida by hosting 3rd annual FGCU invite on their home course. In attendance were the D1 Sun Belt Conference Florida Atlantic Owls and Florida International Panthers, the D1 Atlantic Conference FGCU Eagles, Lipscomb Bisons and Stetson Hatters, the D2 Sunshine State Conference Nova Southeastern Sharks.

For the second consecutive season the FGCU Invitational was held at FGCU’s property at 5820 Buckingham Road in Buckingham, FL. The Eagles will also play host to the 2012 A-Sun Championship meet on Saturday, October 27th at this location. The course meanders through the beautiful 500-acre former military installation over well-groomed grass trails and a small creek. The Men’s 8k double looped the course whereas the Women’s 5k featured a single loop with an added 1k loop at the finish. In the inaugural three-team FGCU Invitational during the 2009 season, the Eagles claimed victory in the men’s event and finished in second place in the women’s race. Last season, the FGCU men’s team placed first in the four-team event behind Argeo Cruz’s first place finish, and the women’s program again finished in second place.

Another hot humid day in SW Florida baked the course helping dry out the pools of water that were left by Issac. By the 6 pm start of the Men’s race the thermometer was hovering around the 90º mark with humidity in the mid 70% range. This did not deter the harriers getting out quickly lead by FGCU teammates Argeo Cruz and Gilbert Chemaoi and followed by a large contingent of purple & gold Lipscomb runners. At the half way point the pack had strung out significantly with Cruz still out front but the Bison pack had broken down and now was being taken over by Eagles. Argeo powered home in 26:00 to defend his individual title and 4 more of his teammates finished in the top ten to help the hosts retake the team crown over conference rivals Lipscomb.

The Women’s 6:45 pm race start was delayed for 20 minutes due to an injury late in the Men’s 8k that required a course closure while medical staff worked to help the fallen athlete.

The temperature had dropped significantly as the sun dipped behind the clouds in the western sky. A nice breeze also helped defuse the humid air as the command for the Women’s 5k started. And it was all Lady Bison up front from the get go with the exception of the lone Eagle, Kelly Perzanowski swooping in to take the top spot. At the halfway point the lead pack was still bunched together as Perzanowski and 8 Lipscomb runners were shoulder to shoulder. At the finish Lipscomb junior Dani Walker surged ahead in the last 200 meters for the win in 18:16 with Kelly holding on for second followed by 8 Lady Bison. Lipscomb took the team title with 19 points over second place FGCU.

All in all a great day for kicking off the CC season. Special thanks go out to John Biffar at Endurance Sports Timing, FGCU Head Coach Cassandra Goodson and the whole FGCU staff.