Akron Opens Cross Country Campaign at Ohio XC Invitational

Friday, September 2

Athens, Ohio

University of Akron

Ohio Cross Country Invitational

Akron Opens Cross Country Campaign at Ohio XC Invitational

September 02 | Cross Country

RESULTS (PDF)

ATHENS, Ohio – Led by senior Rebekah Harden (Tinley Park, Ill.), the University of Akron cross country team successfully opened its campaign at the Ohio Cross Country Invitational on Friday, Sept. 2.

Harden crossed the line first for the Zips traversing the 5K course in a team-best time of 19:03.6 to place 18th.

"Today's first meet was a good test of our ability to execute a race plan and a great opportunity to race on the MAC Championship course that we'll see again in two months," Akron cross country coach Dr. Tim Sykes commented. "Fitness will continue to develop, but we really wanted to be good at focusing on the in-race process and not the overall performance. Overall, I believe the team did a solid job of race execution and we know what we need to work on moving forward. Our 1-5 performers had strong showings. We are excited to get back to training and enjoy the process this season."

Sophomore Danielle Honaker (Ashland, Ohio) was next across the line for Akron in a time of 19:14.4.

Rounding out the Zips' scoring contingent recording times of 19:30.7, 20:10.7 and 20:28.0, respectively, was redshirt sophomore Makenna Heimlich (Shelby, Ohio), sophomore Halle Sebest (Poland, Ohio) and junior Maddie Heimlich (Shelby, Ohio).

Additionally, sophomores Hannah Kerr (Chillicothe, Ohio) and Emerson Rainsburg (Dover, Ohio) added times of 21:36.8 and 21:52.4.

The Zips return to action at the Jon McNichols Invitational on Sept. 17 in Terre Haute, Ind.

ABOUT ZIPS ATHLETICS
Founded in 1870, The University of Akron (UA) is one of Ohio's most influential public urban research universities, conducting high-quality research in focused areas of excellence, contributing to the vitality of the local economy, and providing a workforce highly trained in diverse disciplines. The University offers more than 200 degree programs, including unique, highly ranked associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral and law degrees — with accreditations by 35 professional agencies. UA is focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, investment in community and economic growth. Akron sponsors 17 NCAA Division I sports with more than 500 student-athletes. Learn more at gozips.com.