by Benny Benton
CONCORD, N.C. – The Barton College men's cross country program had its best team and individual performance at the Conference Carolinas Championships in more than a decade on Friday at Frank Liske Park.
Junior Joel Lagat finished fourth in the 76-man field with an 8K time of 26:44.87. In doing so, the Eldoret, Kenya, resident became the first Bulldog to earn All-Conference Carolinas First-Team honors since Brian Fowler in 2002. His effort helped Barton place fifth among 10 teams, BC's highest finish in the event since 2004.
Senior Adam Pope was second among the Bulldogs and 33rd overall with a mark of 29:43.80. Juniors Sebaston Barrett and Tevin Aitken finished back-to-back in 43rd and 44th, respectively, with times of 30:40.66 and 30:46.32. BC's final counting score was provided by sophomore Raekwon Fiddermon, who placed 57th with an effort of 32:15.14.
Also competing in the event for the Bulldogs were Luar Mercado Lopez (58th, 32:33.55), Qasim Ray (67th, 34:35.80), Marquez Lemon (68th, 34:45.78) and Cody Warner (71st, 35:18.16).
Nationally-ranked No. 17 University of Mount Olive dominated the competition, claiming 10 of the top 13 finishing spots in rolling to its fifth consecutive league crown. UMO senior Pol Domenech took first place with a time of 26:22.63 to earn runner of the year honors.
Mount Olive won with 24 points, with Lees-McRae College far behind in second with 69. King University was third with 74 points, followed by Limestone College with 125. Barton, with 161 points, edged Pfeiffer in the battle for fifth place by a single point.
Barton will compete in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional on Saturday, Nov. 5, in Montevallo, Ala.
Conference Carolinas Championship
1. University of Mount Olive, 24
2. Lees-McRae College, 69
3. King University, 74
4. Limestone College, 125
5. Barton College, 161
6. Pfeiffer University, 162
7. North Greenville University, 170
8. Belmont Abbey College, 185
9. Southern Wesleyan University, 246
10. Erskine College, 251
Barton (out of 76 individuals)
4. Joel Lagat, 26:44.87
33. Adam Pope, 29:43.80
43. Sebaston Barrett, 30:40.66
44. Tevin Aitken, 30:46.32
57. Raekwon Fiddermon, 32:15.54
58. Luar Mercado-Lopez, 32:33.55
67. Qasim Ray, 34:35.80
68. Marquez Lemon, 34:45.78
71. Cody Warner, 35:18.16
