The Elon Phoenix men’s and women’s cross country members say they are pleased with their performance at the meet Elon hosted last week.

Sophomore runner Kari Burger says the team ran well at the meet, considering it was the first meet of the 2002 season.

"I was proud of my performance, personally," said Burger, who ran the course in 20:53. Burger also said she was heavily motivated by her teammate Becky Weaver. Weaver was Elon’s top finisher at their first meet, finishing with a time of 20:51. "I finished right behind her," Burger said, "and I wouldn’t have kept up if it wasn’t for her."

Though their times were not what they hoped for, Weaver felt that the team "did a wonderful job of staying together and encouraging each other to finish strong." Both girls agree that they had a tough week of practices, and they said they hope the results will show Saturday at Winthrop University.

Overall, the men’s team was optimistic after their performance as well. Coming back from an injury, senior Geoff Weatherbie said her thought he didn’t do well, but as a team, the group was successful.

Sophomore Brett Willi was Elon’s top runner with a time of 27:15.

Coach Bill Morningstar acknowledged that the first meet was tough. With seven of their runners injured and sitting out, Morningstar’s biggest concern is keeping his team healthy.

Last year’s team placed fourth in the Big South Conference. Team members said they were satisfied with that standing. It was an outstanding accomplishment considering Elon lacks an indoor/outdoor track program.

In addition, the freshmen recruits have been beneficial to the team. Freshman John Tumbleston was Elon’s second-place runner in his first meet, with a time of 28:00.

Weatherbie said there is a gap between Elon’s top runner of the meet and the rest of the team. He said the team will work hard at practices this week to close that gap. The men will also run Saturday at the Winthrop Invitational.

"These guys are a hard working team, with a good work ethic," Morningstar said. He says he hopes their work effort will help carry the team throughout the season.