The Howard Community College cross country team competed in the Paul Short Invitational on Oct. 1 at Lehigh University.
The Paul Short Invite is one of the largest cross country meets in the nation, with about 6,000 athletes from nearly 450 colleges and high school's competing.
"Top to bottom this may be the best quality field we've ever had at the Paul Short Run between nationally ranked teams at all levels and regionally ranked teams," said Lehigh men's cross country coach Todd Etters.
The Dragons ran in the White Division in a field of NCAA Division II and III programs. The men finished 22nd overall, while the women placed 33rd overall.
Ryan Clocker was the leading runner on the men's side for HCC, placing 98th with a time of 28 minutes, 29 seconds in the 8k race. He was followed closely by teammates Scott Camp (102nd, 28:31), Garrett Birsa (145th, 29:35), Corey Young (146th, 29:36) and Abraham Samuel (107th, 30:13).
Marriotts Ridge alumna Abbey Starks led the women's side for the Dragons, placing 98th overall with a time of 24 minutes, 39 seconds. Starks was followed by teammates Brenda Rosas (151st, 25:32), Amani Jones (176th, 26:10), Brittany Nixon (271st, 32:12) and Elena Ciobanu (298th, 39:52).
"I told them going in that this would be the toughest meet on our schedule," said HCC coach Steve Musselman. "They were able to see for themselves how deep the talent field is out there. Some people ran well and a few were shell-shocked. A lot of positives came from this, as we prepare for this upcoming championships."
The Dragons will travel to Utica Park in Frederick on Oct. 15, as they will compete in the Hood College Open, hosted by Hood College.