EUGENE -- BYU came away with the two top finishers at the Bill Dellinger Invitational on Friday, hosted by the University of Oregon. After sitting out of their previous meets, both Josh Rohatinsky and Kassi Andersen captured the top spots, leading their teams to third and second place, respectively. Both had previously placed first at the BYU Autumn Classic.
Andersen led the No. 6 women's team to a total score of 55 points in the 6k run, along with Amy Fowler (5), Amber Duffin (9), Breanne Sandberg (14) and Anne Heiner (26).
"I felt good," said Andersen. "It was perfect conditions and decent competition. It's just good to get experience and race people. I just feel that at each race if I get a little better, I'll know my strengths and what I need to improve on."
Both Sandberg and Heiner competed in their first race of the season. Coach Patrick Shane was impressed with the effort put forth by his runners.
"We had some good performances," said Shane. "Out top four were exceptional. We still haven't put it all together yet. We're getting all five to nail it."
The Cougars fell to the University of Arkansas' 35 points.
The BYU men's team scored 102 points behind the University of Oregon (47) and the University of Portland (89) in the 8k race.
The No. 11 Cougars were led by Rohatinsky, with his time of 22:58.37. Behind him was Chandler Goodwin (12). Jacob Gustafsson (25), Dustin Bybee (30) and Kyle Perry (34).
"Rohatinsky had an incredible race," said head coach Ed Eyestone. "He showed that he definitely is one of the contenders for national championship honors."
Eyestone was pleased with the overall gap between the third and seventh man on the team, and felt that the team could have been more successful had they run together as a group
"As a team it was a solid performance," said Eyestone. "Chandler ran about where he should have. Gustafsson did a very good job with his opening meet. I was very pleased with his performance."
Up next for the women will be a trip to Walt Disney World on Oct. 7, while the men will prepare for Pre-Nationals on Oct. 14.
Women's 6k
1Kassi Andersen 19:54.09
5Amy Fowler 20:43.43
9Amber Duffin 20:50.91
14Breanne Sandberg 20:58.22
26Anne Heiner 21:29.20
Men's 8k
1Josh Rohatinsky 22:58.37
12Chandler Goodwin23:41.28
25Jacob Gustafsson23:59.99
30Dustin Bybee24:08.14
34Kyle Perry 24:10.48