Nov. 11, 2007

An outstanding 2007 Lipscomb University Cross Country season came to a close Saturday at the NCAA Division I South Regional Championships. The University of Florida hosted the meet in Gainesville.

Carolyn Latham and Erin Pyles represented the Lady Bisons at the South Regional Championship, and like Ryan, ran extremely well. Carolyn finished 82nd in a 6-K time of 23:48, while Erin finished 98th in a time of 24:13.

Both women ran their all time PR's for an 6-K. Carolyn dropped an amazing 1 minute 59 seconds off her previous best 6-K time. Erin dropped 28 seconds off her best 6-K time from two years ago. Carolyn also improved her Regional placing by 50 positions this year.

"I'm not surprised that both women ran PR's." said head coach Bill Taylor. "They've worked very hard this year and ran tough today. Both started the race strong, then had some breathing difficulties. But they fought through admirably and finished an incredible season with huge PR's.

"Like Ryan Chastain with the 10-K, we didn't have the time to train properly for the 6-K this year, yet it didn't really phase them. I am so proud of all three of our runners. It is exciting to watch this program improve so rapidly."

Latham's huge PR capped off a season in which she led the Lady Bisons in every meet and improved her Cross Country 5-K time by 1 minute 58 seconds this season, dropping from 20:24 to 18:26. Erin also ran big PR's this year, improving her 5K time by 1 minute to 18:56.

Six of the nine Lady Bisons ran their all-time 5K PR's this season, and like the men, this young and talented team returns everyone next year.

"The immediate future for both the men's and women's programs is very exciting," Taylor said. " These teams overcame getting a new coach at the last minute, starting to learn a new training program and coaching philosophy, and dealing with very limited time for practices this season.

` Yet, despite the hurdles we saw huge PR's, big team finish improvements and an incredible season for both teams. But we have barely scratched the surface. Their minds are just beginning to open up to the reality of what they are capable of doing. There is talent here and I am so happy that I get to be a part of seeing it all realized. This has been a great season, but it is only a sign of things to come. Both teams expect to rise to the highest level of the NCAA. I don't see anything stopping them.