Meet Results
 
The Loyola Marymount University men's and women's cross country teams took to the course this weekend at the 35^th annual Mark Covert Classic at Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea. 
 
The Covert Classic kicked off with the men's teams taking to the course, with the Lions' runners amongst the leaders rounding the first turn of the course that went all throughout the park.
 
Freshman Roberto Ruelas placed 33^rd with a time of 25:56, making him the fourth scorer for the men's team. Ruelas, running in his first ever 8k, made a strong statement for the Lions in his opening meet and helped set the tone for the rest of the day. 
 
The highest finisher on the men's side was Simeon Paul who crossed the line in 13^th place (8^th in the collegiate race) with a time of 25:21. Right behind Paul was Max Smith whose time of 25:36 was a personal best by over one minute having him finish the race in 18^thplace.  
 
Another Lion who had a strong race was Kyle Friedler who posted a time of 25:43, which was close to a personal best, but a great sign early in the season on a course which isn't notoriously fast. Rounding out the scoring for the Lions top five was Zach Arias with a time of 25:56. The Lions top five consisted of one freshman, two sophomores and two juniors.
 
The Lions men walked away from the event with a second place finish behind Cal State Fullerton in the collegiate races.
 
On the women's side Kyla Danforth was the highest finisher with a time of 18:05 putting her in fifth place (3^rd in collegiate race). Freshman Gabriela Hernandez was the Lions second-leading scorer with a time of 19:06.
 
Another strong performer for the women's team was freshman Avery Doan who was the Lions fourth-leading scorer with a time of 19:37 putting her in 52^nd place. 
 
The women's team placed third in the event behind Cal State Fullerton and the University of San Diego in the college races.
 
The Lions cross country teams return to the course on Saturday, Sep 7 for the Biola Invitational in Fullerton, Calif. The Lions will be running their 'B' squads at the Biola meet as other members of the team will take the race off and focus on the following weekend in Spokane where they will preview the West Region course.