Men's Cross Country Top Junior College team at Embry Riddle Invite

Daytona State's men's cross country squad battled for a third place finish on Saturday at the Embry Riddle Invitational in Daytona Beach, and also took top junior college of the field honors.  The Falcons scored 86 points and placed first among junior colleges.  Embry Riddle took home the team title with 24 points and Florida Tech finishing in second with 64 points.  The Falcons were led by freshman Jeffrey Belizaire who ran a smart and strategic race on a very challenging course.  He was the top junior college runner in the field.  "Everyone knows that this course is unforgiving.  The footing is a challenge, the hills can be brutal.  It is a real test of someone's mental strength.  Jeff did a great job today in only his second 8000 meter race ever." commented Coach Judy Wilson.  Next to cross the line for the Falcons were a pair of freshmen, Michael (Luke) Brewer and Caden Baker.  Both crossed the line only a few tenths of a second apart in 28:29.2 and 28:29.5.  Both placed in the top 20 of the field.  Finishing out the top five scorers were sophomore Spencer Lawrence and freshman Willima Hernandez, crossing the line in 24th and 25th place respectively.  The Falcons were without the services of freshman Hayden Clark and sophomore Nikolas Boone, who will both be back in the lineup for the Florida State Invitational on September 26th.  "With each race, we will work on our team buidling, working together and trusting each other." commented Wilson.