Looking to continue the positive momentum generated following last week’s strong performances, the Emory men’s and women’s cross country teams will compete at the Berry College Invitational this Saturday (Sept. 11) in Rome, Ga.  The men’s 8K race is slated for a 9:00 a.m. start while the women’s 5k event begins at 9:45 a.m.  Both races will feature approximately 16 teams, mostly from the South/Southeast Region.

Last weekend, the Emory women, ranked 35^th nationally, captured first place out of 10 teams at the Sewanee Invitational.  Junior Tess Gallegos crossed the finish line in first place out of 104 runners, turning in a 6K time of 22:15.  The Eagles claimed three of the top four spots with senior Natalie Fenn (22:39) and junior Sara Gelb (22:57) crossing the finish line in third and fourth place, respectively.

The men, tied for 34^th in the national polls, tied Rhodes College for the No. 1 position out of nine teams.  The Eagles saw three of its entries post top-10 finishes in the 104-runner field.  Sophomore Stephen Ellwood keyed the Eagles, churning out an 8K time of 27:15 that placed him sixth.  Freshman Ishan Dey made an impressive college debut with his mark of 27:24 good for the No. 8 spot.  Senior Kevin Lanza recorded a 10^th-place performance as he clocked a 27:28.