Everett CC Cross Country kicked off the 2009 season with a big performance at the Clark College Invite on Saturday 9/5 at Lewisville Park in Battle Ground, WA. Both men’s and women’s teams came home with team titles at this NWAACC Championship Preview.

Led by Freshman Shawna Schooley who placed 2nd overall and completed the 5k course in 19:20, the Trojan women had 5 of the top 11 finishers and placed 10 runners in the top 20 overall. Top EvCC Individuals: (2) Shawna Schooley – 19:20, (3) Kelly Talkington – 19:38, (4) Kelsey Loomans – 19:41, (6) Valerie Massie – 20:14, (11) Amanda Brager – 20:53, (12) Kelly Brown – 21:01, (13) Jessica Costigan – 21:06. Women’s Team Scoring: 1. Everett CC (25), 2. CC of Spokane (46), 3. Clackamas CC (84), 4. Clark College (86), 5. Highline CC (112), Skagit (DNS), Mt. Hood (DNS).

In the men’s 8k race, the Trojans were led by Freshman Emmanuel Contreras who finished in 26:31 and overcame a 30 second deficit after two miles to eventually pull away and claim the individual title in his first collegiate race. The men’s team had 5 of the first 9 finishers and placed 9 runners among the top 16 individuals. Top EvCC Individuals: (1) Emmanuel Contreras – 26:31, (4) Jon Phillips – 27:08, (5) Yon Yilma – 27:09, (8) Tim Welch – 27:32, (9) Josh Fountain – 27:33, (13) Seth Pierson – 27:56, (14) Josh Alexander – 27:56. Men’s Team Scoring: 1. Everett CC (23), 2. CC of Spokane (42), 3. Clark College (77), 4. Highline CC (110), 5. Mt. Hood (134), 6. Skagit (163), Clackamas (DNS). 

The Trojan harriers race next at the Sundodger Invitational on Saturday 9/19 at Lincoln Park in Seattle.