MOBILE, Ala. – Southeastern Louisiana senior Henry Rop crossed the finish line over 10 seconds before his nearest competitor to win Saturday’s Azalea City Classic. Rop completed the 5K race in 15:21.63. Team-wise, the Southeastern men finished third, as did the Lady Lions.
COMPLETE RESULTS: MEN | WOMEN
Following Rop’s first place effort, the Lions’ next three finishers took the 11th through 13th places, completing the course within three seconds of each other. Freshman Joseph LeGrange (16:19.51), senior Reese Lee(16:20.70) and freshman Matt Mouton (16:22.35) made up that group.
“The conditions were hot and humid,” assistant coach Ryan Bourquesaid. “It was hard for anyone to run really fast times. I was pleased with the effort everybody gave, especially due to the circumstances.”
The Southeastern women were led by senior Naomi Jeruto, who took fourth place in the 5K event, covering the distance in 19:11.64. She was followed by senior Whitney Curry in fifth place at 19:52.93. SophomoreBethany Burst also earned a top 10 finish, placing eighth at 20:11.03.
“Our front three women were very aggressive at the start,” Bourque said. “They answered challenges on the course well. People tried to pass them, but they didn’t let that happen.”
The University of West Florida won the men’s event, followed by home standing South Alabama and Southeastern. The top two teams were reversed in women’s competition, with South Alabama taking first, West Florida second and Southeastern third.
Individually, South Alabama’s Dani Sullivan won the women’s event with a time of 18:31.30.
Next for the Lions and Lady Lions is a short trek to Highland Road Park in Baton Rouge for the LSU Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 25.