Lewis meet results (PDF)

Head coach Robert Cervenka said quality depth will be a factor for this year's men's cross country team.
 
Based on Friday's results at the Lewis Early Bird Twilight, the long-time mentor was on target.
 
Freshman Nicholas Keeling covered the 6-kilometer Lewis course in 19 minutes, 41.30 seconds and finished third in the season opener.
 
"Nicholas' ability to get out is pretty impressive,'' said Cervenka, whose Chaps finished third in last year's NJCAA Division III meet. "Our strength will be our depth and once we have people healthy, we're going to be a very good team.''
 
Sheldon Powell was 31^st in the event, running 21:10.70 (5:41 mile/pace) and track All-American Anthony Eddy 32^nd (21:17.70/5:43 pace). Veteran sophomore Sebastian Esparza was 46^th (22:22.90 / 6:00 pace). Harry Llobera (68^th, 28:09.90) and Matt Fitzgerald (69^th, 28:20.80) completed the Chaps' day.
 
Returning All-American Caleb DeBoer and track standout Axel Huerta did not compete Friday but will return later this month.
 
"All preseason, Nicholas has been our No. 1 and Sheldon is a great addition,'' Cervenka said.
 
The women competed with just three with returning All-American Lillian Buzani carrying the day. She ran the 4-kilometer course in 17:19.50, breaking 7-minute mile pace.
 
The Chaps feature Buzani, Belle Adduci and Morgan Clifford, who were their top three runners a year ago. Clifford, who also is a standout on the soccer team, did not compete.
 
"Lillian will be our No. 1 runner this fall,'' Cervenka said. "Her experience and talent will key our team.''
 
Adduci, who stood out in both cross country and track her freshman season, ran 41^st in 17:55.40 (7:14 pace).
 
Emilia Kadiyala ran a minute faster than her best time a year and finished 53^rd in 19:58.30 (8:03 pace).

"All day long we had great support from each of our teams,'' Cervenka said. "We're building our camaraderie and it makes such a difference as we progress this fall.''
 
The Chaps return to action Saturday when they compete in the Aurora Invite, held at the Northwestern Medicine cross country course in Geneva.