Sybert Top Finisher for Blue Raider Cross Country Team

The Middle Tennessee cross country teams competed for the second straight weekend, running in the Vanderbilt Invitational on Saturday morning.

The Blue Raiders were without the services of top runner Geoffrey Lagat, who was held out of competition after running a grueling race last weekend at Western Kentucky.

Lagat's teammates picked up the slack, though, placing 10th overall in a field of 23 and seventh out of 13 Division I schools participating in the event.

Levi Sybert was the Blue Raiders' top finisher on the day, placing 13th with a time of 27:26.20 in the 8K race.

"Levi ran a great race," said Head Coach Dean Hayes. "He continues to improve every week and he ran better here today that he did last year."

Anthony McGary finished 39th with a time of 28:13.32, Steve Safstrom came in 58th at 28:41.72, and Josh Carroll placed 83rd at 29:37.38. Carlos Gonzales completed the Blue Raiders' scoring in 105th place with a time of 30:16.53.

Other runners for Middle Tennessee were Chris Hanson in 158th place, Sean Rabe in 167th, Brian Picklesimer in 176th, and Brent Greer in 187th.

The Lady Raiders found bad luck in today's event. Only five runners entered the race and the Middle Tennessee team failed to post a finish as only four runners completed the 5K course.

Kapreia Kirk was knocked down during the race and became injured and unable to complete the event.

"Something happened with Kapreia and she got knocked down and hurt a little bit," said Hayes. "She's going to be OK and we're glad its not more serious."

Finishing for the Lady Raiders were Erin Russell in 138th place, Sabrina Smith in 204th place, Colleen Parker in 205th, and Jameka Collins in 224th.

Both squads will take the week off before heading to Birmingham for the UAB Invitational on Oct. 6.

Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter @MTAthletics for continued updates.