Saint Leo Takes SSC Cross Country Titles; Spartan Women 2nd, Men 4th

DOVER, Fla. - The University of Tampa served as the host of the 2014 Sunshine State Conference Cross Country Championships, as Saint Leo University took home the crown in both races. The Spartan women were second as its men were fourth. The race was held at Sydney Dover Trails.

Saint Leo placed five in the top-10 of the men's race, finishing with 24 total points. Florida Southern (49), Nova Southeastern (50), UT (96), Florida Tech (135) and Rollins (187) also competed.

In the women's race, Saint Leo edged seven-time defending champion Tampa by one point as the Lions placed three runners in the top five. SLU would finish with 36 points, as UT had 37. Also running in the women's race was Nova Southeastern (75), Florida Southern (136), Florida Tech (145), Lynn (149) and Rollins (171).

Saint Leo's Niclas Bez was the men's champion as the sophomore ran the 8K in 25:42.30. Joining Bez on the all-championship team was Valentin Lenz (SLU), Bobby Ormsby (FSC), Rafal Matuszczak (SLU), Wade White (NSU), Evan Quinones (FSC), Carl Dunne (SLU), Jonathan Moses (SLU), Long Tran (NSU) and Joe Marrah (SLU).

Tampa's top runner was Tyler Blackburn, who completed the race in 26:59.80 to place 16th overall. Geremy DeWitt and Lars Benner were also in the top-20 at 18th and 19th respectively.

In the women's 6K, Saint Leo's Colett Rampf pulled away in the stretch run to take the individual title with a time of 22:20.20. Following Rampf and earning all-championship spots were Chantalle Blundell (UT), Jelena Tancic (SLU), Kari Grippo (SLU), Claudia Cancello (UT), Sarah Northup (LU), Danielle Kissel (UT), Rachel Zachar (NSU), Rose Howell (NSU) and Mollie Jones (RC).

The teams will look forward to the 2014 NCAA South Regional, which is scheduled for November 22. The University of Alabama in Huntsville will serve as the host.