WACO, Texas (11/13/2011) - The Arkansas State women's cross country team wrapped up its season with a 13th-place finish Saturday at the South Central Regional Championships at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
The race featured 23 teams and 149 competitors, with senior Chelsea Weaver leading the Red Wolves with a 43rd-place finish, clocking in at 22:23.3.
"This year's 13th place finish out of 23 teams was more impressive than last year's 12th place team finish with 18 teams," said Kyle Chandler, ASU distance coach. "We scored virtually the same number of points this year as compared to last year, despite a more competitive field."
Weaver was followed by junior Sam Salinas, who placed 60th with a time of 22:45.0, and freshman Rexi Parcells, who placed 65th with a time of 22:50.3. Running fourth for the Red Wolves was freshman Heather Newberry, who placed 98th with a time of 23:45.1, and fifth was freshman Chelsey Roberson, who placed 102 with a time of 23:57.3. Freshman Tilda Helgesson placed 108th with a time of 24:07.8 and senior Sydney Foreman placed 120th with a time of 24:36.3.
This is the third consecutive year the ASU women have been regionally ranked.
"The women ran significantly better at this regional meet as compared to the Sun Belt Conference meet two weeks ago," said Chandler. "I was impressed by how well they competed in the adverse conditions with winds gusting over 40 miles per hour. It was a great way to end the cross country season."
Arkansas won the race, scoring 49 points, followed by Texas (69), Texas A&M (90), SMU (128) and Rice (129) in the top five. Arkansas State scored 365 to finish 13th.
The Arkansas State track and field teams will get the indoor season underway Dec. 2 when they host the Kickoff Klassic at the ASU Convocation Center.
