Charlotte,
N.C., November 29, 2003 Brian Sullivan of The Woodlands, Texas,
and Jennifer Barringer of Oviedo, Fla., won the Foot Locker Cross
Country Championships (FLCCC) South Regional at McAlpine Greenway
Park in Charlotte, N.C., today.
Sullivan, a senior at The Woodlands High School and top FLCCC returnee,
dominated the race from start to finish, setting a fast and furious
pace and winning the Regional in 14:46, three seconds behind the
course record of 14:43 set by Alan Webb (2000). Sullivan placed
sixth in last year's Regional race.
Erik Stanley of Spring, Texas, finished second in 14:48, with James
Strang of Signal Mountain, Tenn., placing third in 14:51. Barringer,
a junior at Oviedo High School, took command of the race early on
claiming a 30-yard lead at the 1.5-mile mark. She continued to widen
the gap through the woods, never relinquishing her first-place spot,
and went on to win the race in 17:27.
Barringer placed 12th in last year's South Regional, just missing
her chance to compete on the National team.
Angelina Blackmon of Rockhill, S.C., finished second in 17:42, with
Erin Bedell of Plano, Texas, following closely at her heels to place
third in 17:47. Rachael Forish of Arlington, Texas was last year's
South Regional winner and returned to place sixth in 17:50, earning
her second chance to compete at the Nationals.
The runners enjoyed ideal racing conditions with sunny skies, brisk
winds and temperatures in the low-40's.
The top eight boys and top eight girls qualified to compete against
runners from three other regional meets in the 25th annual Foot
Locker Cross Country Championships National Finals, which will take
place on Saturday, Dec. 13 at Balboa Park in San Diego, Calif. The
Foot Locker Cross Country Championships is supported by presenting
sponsor Nike.
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