Sept. 20, 2008

The Brent Ericksen era of the Southern Oregon Cross Country program started off right as the Raider men upset third-ranked Simon Fraser to claim the team title in the Open Division at the Washington Sundogger Invitational.

The Raider men finished with 51 points, while Academy of Art finished with 72 and Simon Fraser finished third with 81.

Southern's effort included four runners finishing in the Top 15.

Sophomore David Laney was the top finisher for the Raiders, finishing the 8,000 meter course in 25:02 which was fifth overall. Teammates Cameron Kreuz and Joe Rath finished 10th and 11th in 25:16 and 25:17. Senior Anthony Monteleone finished 15th in 25:22.

Sophomore Ryan Ghelfi was the other point scorer for the Raiders, finishing 20th in 25:43.

On the women's side, sophomore Kristen Juveland was the top Raider finisher at 110th with a time of 25:55. Teammate Whitney Riehl finished 118th with a time of 26:10.

The Raiders are now off until Oct. 4 when they compete at the Charles Bowles Invitational.