Morgan Kaeppel
  • Radiologic Sciences
  • Class of 2019
  • Vernon, VT

Mountaineer men third in season-opening Invitational

2017 Sep 18

Southern Vermont College hosted the 2017 Mountaineer Invitational Saturday afternoon as the men's cross country team kicked off its regular season on its home campus.

SVC placed three runners in the top 10 to take third overall as a squad. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts took home the team title.

The season opener was just a 5,000 meter race, but that didn't prevent the course from challenging the runners with plenty up steep climbs along Mount Anthony. Clear skies and mid-60 degree temperatures - accompanied by a brisk, early-fall breeze - made for great running conditions and ideal weather for those watching.

Brandmeyer was third, competing in his final collegiate race on the College campus, with a time of 18:13. He was followed by sophomore teammate Davante Smith who came in ninth, individually, with an 18:48 mark.

Bennington College freshman C.G. Holden was third for the Mountaineers as he posted a 19:26 in his first collegiate race to place 10th overall.

Junior Isaiah Backles was next for the team with a 23:50 showing. Junior Jackson Amankrah put up a 25:50 in his first cross country race to round out the team.

The Southern Vermont College women's cross country team kicked off the regular season Saturday morning as the squad hosted the 2017 Mountaineer Invitational on its home campus.

SVC did not turn in a team score with only four runners competing in the opening meet of the season. Green Mountain College claimed the team title for the women's 5,000 meter race.

Kaylyn Crompton from Castleton won the race in a time of 20 minutes, 50 seconds.

Three of the four Mountaineer runners were competing collegiately for the first time to set brand-new personal bests. Leading the way for SVC was freshman Emily Ikonen, who came through at 26:50. She was followed by senior Lexia Gillette, who posted a 28:07 in her first-ever cross country race. Southern Vermont junior Morgan Kaeppel was the third Mountaineer to cross the finish line, finishing in 30:53. Faith Sullivan was the final SVC finisher in 37 minutes, 8 seconds.

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