Sept. 5, 2003

Orlando, FL - Florida Atlantic University women's cross-country runner Claudia Beitel had her second strong race in as many weeks Friday evening at the University of Central Florida Cross Country Invitational. Beitel, finishing second in her race the previous week, stole the show by placing first with a time of 15:16.07. Greg Burke paced a men's team with a third place, 20:00.70, finish.

The UCF meet was a shortened course as the women ran 4K rather than the normal 5K, and the men ran 6K as opposed to 8K.

Following Beitel for FAU was Monika Grabowiecka, 15:19.13, and Brittany Powers, 16:01.14. Grabowiecka finished in sixth place and Powers just behind in seventh.

Other women runners for FAU were: Abby Moore, 17:44.74, Erin Mayros, 18:36.67, Megan Berggren, 21:44.41, and Renee Bridges, 22:02.36. The women placed third as a team.

For the men, Manny Huerta finished steps behind Burke. Huerta finished fourth with a time of 20:07.95. Ryan Lavender was the next Owl to cross the finish line coming in at 20:18.74. Lavender placed sixth.

Sophomore Lee Beckman just missed a top-ten finish coming in at number 12 with a time of 21:02.04.

Beckman and crew finished second as a team.

Kyle DeCicio finished in 25:29.66, and Sara Anzardo, 18:35.10, ran unattached in the women's race.

The men will compete next at the Florida State University Invitational, September 12, in Tallahassee, Florida. The women head to Athens, Georgia September 20, to take part in the University of Georgia Bulldog Stampede.