Tuscaloosa, Alabama – The Southeastern Louisiana cross country teams competed in the annual Crimson Classic on Friday, hosted by the University of Alabama. Four members of the women's team and five members of the men's team made the trip to Tuscaloosa.
 
In the women's 5k event, a total of 292 runners competed. The top Lady Lion finisher was freshman Celia Zaeringer, who turned in a time of 18:28.73. The New Orleans native placed 58^th.
 
Freshmen Clarissa Smith (20:18.40) and Haley Gregoire (20:18.40) also finished among the top 200 runners, placing 168^th and 178^th respectively.
 
Junior Katie Neil set a lifetime personal record in the 5k, turning in a time of 21:50.99. The Marrero, Louisiana native placed 237^th.
 
"The girls ran really well for never having seen a course like this," said volunteer assistant coach Brandon Chapoton. "There were a lot of hills, and we don't really see that on a regular basis."
 
On the men's side junior Harry Wiggins turned in the top Lion time. Out of 197 Division I runners, the Prairieville native placed 79^th with a time of 26:43.68. In the men's 8k event, the Lions placed 21^st out of 24 teams.
 
Freshmen Michael Perez (28:25.40) and Isaiah Gilbert (28:39.82) placed 160^th and 167^th respectively.
 
"I'm really impressed with our freshman," Chapoton said. "They've been steadily improving each week and they have ran really well lately. Their work is paying off."
 
Other top Lion finishers were: Joseph Edwards (171, 28:57.25) and Stephen Cassingham (176, 29:12.14)
 
"This was a great way to finish this big training cycle," said Chapoton. "And now we are going get our minds in the right place for conference."
 
After a two week break from competition, Southeastern cross country will compete in the Southland Conference Cross Country Championships in Natchitoches on November 3^rd.