CU runners end spring at OU
April 25, 2009NORMAN, Oklahoma (April 25) – The Cameron Aggie cross country team wrapped up their 2009 spring exhibition season today at the Sooner Invitational track meet hosted by the University of Oklahoma. CU had three runners compete in one event each at the prestigious event which was held at John Jacobs Field.
“We looked pretty good today running against some good competition,” Head Coach Matt Aguero said. “Overall I’m very pleased because we ran very well.”
Division I schools including OU, Texas Tech, and North Texas competed in the event, as did Division II schools such as Abilene Christian, Emporia State, and East Central.
Cameron’s top finisher today was freshman Edwin Chelashaw in the 5000 meter run. Chelashaw finished the race in 6th place overall with a time of 16:08.32.
In the 1500 meter run, sophomore Mohamed Khelalfa finished in 7th place with a time of 4:03.85. Khelalfa broke the previous CU record in the event, set by Khelalfa at last week’s Kansas Relays, at 4:06.08.
This is the second time this season Khelalfa has broken the CU school record in the 1500 meter run.
“Mohamed broke his own school record again with a really strong race,” Coach Aguero said. Edwin ran extremely well too. Jamin ran great in his final collegiate race; we will miss him dearly.”
The final Aggie to compete in the OU meet was senior Jamin Jones. Running in his final collegiate meet, Jones took 28th place in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:05.57.
“I was glad to see Jamin go out strong and run a solid race,” Coach Aguero said. “He knew what this one meant. I think you know your last collegiate race is going to be a special one, so I didn’t need to say anything.”
Cameron’s cross country team will now enter offseason training. The Aggie’s 2009-2010 season will begin with the first annual Aggie Showdown meet on September 12 on the campus of Cameron University.
“We ran really well this spring and had some good showings at some good meets against good competition,” Coach Aguero said. “Anytime you can set school records as many times as we did you’ll be happy. I think we are looking good for the fall. Now we will rest a bit and then start getting ready for the fall season. This spring is definitely a stepping stone for next year.”
The Aggie Showdown will be the first official collegiate cross country meet the Aggie program will host in its four-year history.
