Monday, September 21, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Lipscomb Bisons, led by Ryan Chastain, won first place Saturday morning in the Vanderbilt Commodore Classic at the Vaughn's Gap course at Percy Warner Park.

"I knew our men had a really good chance to win this invitational and I'm very happy we did," said Lipscomb cross country coach Bill Taylor. " It's a gigantic day for our program and another message about where Lipscomb Cross Country and Track & Field are headed.

The Bisons battled a wet course and drizzling rain to win their first ever first place in a cross country event in the NCAA era. There were 16 teams entered.

"It is literally historic for this program. At the same time we have a lot of work to do. By no means did we run great today. There is a ton of room for improvement. "

It was the first race of the season for Chastain, the leader of the team. He finished sixth overall with a time of 26:54.07 over the 8-K course. Freshman Tim Muller also finished in the top 10. He was 10th in a time of 27:02.74.

"Ryan Chastain ran and gutted it out in his first race of the year despite being sick," said Taylor. " He didn't look great, but he ran hard. Our freshmen dealt with their first ever 8-K incredibly and will get a lot better."

The race was a challenge for the freshmen Bisons who were facing an 8-K distance for the first time. Ashton Fisher was 17th with a time of 27:14.77. Isaiah Greer was 30th with time of 27:39.49 and Jeff Musick was 31st with a 27:47.59 time.