September 12, 1998

DURHAM, N.H.- Boston College freshman Sharon Van Tuyl (Portage, MI) and sophomore Justin Burdon (Niagara Falls, Ontario) won their respective cross country races and helped lead both the men's and women's teams to victories in the opening meet of the season held in Durham, N.H.

The women's team captured first place in a tri-meet with the University of New Hampshire and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The Eagles had seven of the top eight performers, including the top six. The top three finishers were freshman, after Van Tuyl were Katie Ryan (Elmira, NY) and Nicole Portley (San Mateo, CA) who tied for second.

On the men's side, the results were just as impressive in a four-team meet which inlcuded the host, New Hampshire, along with the University of Connecticut and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Senior Brian Shafer (Litchfield, CT) finished third and junior Marshal Armitage (Burlington, Ontario) crossed the line in fifth position.

Both the men's and the women's teams will return to the race path on Saturday, September 19th when they compete in the Boston Cross Country Festival at Franklin Park.

at Durham, NH

    Boston College Women's Top Five     Boston College Men's Top Five
    
    1. Sharon Van Tuyl  19:11           1. Justin Burdon    24:43
    2. Katie Ryan       19:15           3. Brian Shafer 24:53
    2. Nicole Portley   19:15           5. Marshal Armitage 25:12
    4. Sandy Wells      19:26           6. Derek Holland    25:13
    5. Kyla Barbour     19:27           8. Chris Merrill    25:24