MONMOUTH, ORE. – University of Alaska Anchorage sophomore Cole Nash won the men's race at the GNAC Cross Country Championships Saturday.
Nash, who becomes the 13th Seawolf to win the men's cross country conference title, finished the eight-kilometer course in a time of 23:46, 17 seconds ahead of the second place finisher.
Nash was named the GNAC Men's Cross Country Athlete of the Year.
Michael Zapherson was the second Seawolf to cross the line placing sixth to join Nash on the All-GNAC team. The transfer from UNC Greensboro was named the GNAC Newcomer of the Year.
Jesus Avalos finished 13th (24:45), Drew Johnson 24th (25:16) and Ries Tveit 47th (26:31) to complete the scoring for UAA, who placed third out of 10 teams with 83 points.
Alfin Nyamasyo was the top UAA finisher in the women's six-kilometer race in a time of 22:25.
Elle Stevens finished 32nd (22:42), and Jordan Strausbaugh was 33rd (22:49).
Tessa Wood was 37th (22:50), and Sofija Spaic was 44th (23:33).
The Alaska Anchorage women finished seventh out of 10 teams with 163 points.
"We achieved our realistic best case scenario - everything we could today," said associate head coach Chas Davis. "I'm especially proud of Drew Johnson and Monica Ruelas for competing tough for the team when they knew they weren't at their best. Ries Tveit and Jordan Strausbaugh had breakthrough races, and Elle Stevens and Aunika Miller came back from rough performances two weeks ago with impressive perseverance. We are proud coaches today."
Kendall Kramer of Alaska Fairbanks won the women's race in 20:37.
Alaska Anchorage will compete at the NCAA West Regional Championships in Billings, Mont. Nov. 19th.
