Chemaoi remains perfect at Commodore Classic

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee's Festus Chemaoi remained perfect in his senior campaign, taking victory on Saturday at the 2010 Vanderbilt Commodore Classic at Percy Warner Park in Nashville, Tenn. Freshman Deanna Brasz was the top Blue Raider finisher in the women's 5,000 meter race, placing fourth overall.

Chemaoi left little doubt, leading the men's race at the first mile with teammates David Bioywo and Isaac Biwott right behind in second and third in a sub-5:15 effort, before settling into the lead pack. At mile three mark, the Eldoret, Kenya, native would regain a lead. He would not relinquish first place for the remainder of the race. Chemaoi crossed the finish line of the 8,000 meter course in a time of 25:17.51, four seconds ahead of second place finisher, Emmaunel Kirwa of Chattanooga.

Teammate Chris Mason commented on Chemaoi, "Festus is an amazing competitor. He is good and he knows has what it takes to be the best each week."

Mason finished second for the Blue Raiders placing eighth overall in 25:48.94. Justin Cacaro would take 21st in 26:21.30. Bioywo and Biwott did not finish in a precautionary measure to prevent injury later in the season.

The men did not have a team finish.

In the women's race, freshman Brasz placed fourth overall in 18:20.19 as the top MT finisher. Brasz ran an aggressive race, leading the contest by almost 10 yards for the first mile and a half before placing fourth.

"We all have a job each week," said Brasz. " Coach told me to go out fast, so I was not nervous being at the front."

Carolyne Tanui was the second Middle Tennessee finisher, crossing the line in 19:19.51, 26th overall. Kristen Tithof placed 32th and Rachel Islam came in 40th, with respective times of 19:29.88 and 19:44.48. Alissa Ruggle rounded out the Middle Tennessee scorers placing 47th in 19:55.91.

The Blue Raider women placed fifth out of 16 teams with 136 points.

"We have a plan for each runner," said head coach Dean Hayes. "These first three races help get the athletes in shape. Our race in Louisville in two weeks is where we look to put everything together before the Sun Belt Championships."

The teams return to action in three weeks as the squads will travel to Louisville to compete at the Greater Louisville Classic. Full results and coverage will be available at GoBlueRaiders.com.

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Middle Tennessee Men's Finishers
1. Festus Chemaoi 25:16.51
8. Chris Mason 25:48.94
21. Justin Cacaro 26:21.30

Middle Tennessee Women's Finishers
4. Deanna Brasz 18:20.19
26. Carolyne Tanui 19:19.51
32. Kristen Tithof 19:29.88
40. Rachel Islam 19:44. 48
47. Alissa Ruggle 19:55.91
52. Autumn Gipson 20:03.74

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