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Americus, GA - Five Pioneers made their collegiate running debut for the Wesleyan College cross country team on Saturday morning at the Georgia Southwestern Remembrance Run in Americus, GA.
The Pioneers placed fourth behind race winners Valdosta State University, Georgia Southwestern State University and Clark Atlanta University. Senior Ashly Annecchiarico was the first Wesleyan runner to cross the finish line, placing 22nd overall with a time of 27:05. She was followed across the line by junior Megan Smith (25th - 32:34), senior Humaira Taz (26th - 33:39), junior Ahbin Kim (27th - 35:44) and junior Jessie Spannagel (28th - 40:28).
""I was very proud that all of our runners who started the race also finished the race strong,"" remarked first year head coach Krista Wieters. ""None of the Wesleyan ladies who ran today had ever participated in a college cross country meet and only one lady ran competitively in high school. They did a great job, ran their hardest and I'm sure we will be seeing their times improve as the season progresses. They are learning a lot about running, about racing, and about each other, and they are enjoying getting faster and healthier every day.""
The Pioneers will compete in Macon next Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Mercer RunFit Invitational.
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