Tuesday, October 13, 1998
UCLA’s cross country team finishes strong at invitational
RECAP:Bruin runners take fourth place at Murray Keating race
By Donald Morrison
Daily Bruin Contributor
UCLA men’s cross-country head coach Bob Larsen told Murray
Keating, the creator of the Murray Keating Invitational, that the
Bruins would come to Orono, ME and compete in the meet one day.
That day was Saturday as the Bruins competed at seventh annual
Murray Keating Invitational for the first time.
UCLA finished fourth out of 11 teams and received solid
individual performances
"It was great opportunity to expose the team to a new
situation," Larsen said. "I thought the times were very good. The
team is showing its strength from workouts. I see real
progress."
Senior Mark Hauser made progress on Saturday. Hauser finished as
the highest Bruin, placing fourth. His time of 24 minutes, 24
seconds is a personal record for an 8,000 meter (5-mile) course.
Hauser stayed with the leaders for three miles and finished his
personal best race strongly.
"(Hauser’s) workouts have been good. He looked good at the end
and never fell apart. He’s getting better every week."
Paul Muite was the second Bruin to come in as he finished 14th
in 24:59. Muite also earned a personal best time and finished an
8,000 meter under 25 minutes for the first time. Will Bernaldo
finished 18th in 25:18. He also set a personal record.
"Muite said, after he saw the course, that he could go under 25
minutes," Larsen said. "He felt he went out to slow but had a good
finish. He’s running well."
"(Bernaldo) continues to run solid. He’s so dependable."
Matt Pitts ran one of his best cross-country races ever. Pitts
placed 28th in 25:32. Larsen was pleased with Pitts’ performance
and said he’s getting better every week.
Freshman Bryan Green placed 29th in 25:35.
He also had a personal record as he finished under 26 minutes
for the first time this season.
Michigan won the meet for the second consecutive season. Iowa
finished second while New Hampshire placed third. The Bruins
finished fourth with 91 points.
John Mortimer of Michigan won the race for the third straight
time. He finished in 24:01.
The course was mostly flat and fast. The course was sloppy for
about a mile after it rained in the morning.
"The team ran much better than they did in Minnesota (two and
half weeks ago)," Larsen said. "The guys ran with determination. It
was a nice atmosphere."
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