His potential is unlimited and on Friday afternoon in the West Point Open on the scenic West Point golf course, Monroe distance star, Gambian sophomore Ansu Sowe, showed why as he became the first Mustang to ever win a Cross Country race. Running the just-over 5K course in 17:11:30, Sowe bested more than 100 runners from ten different colleges including West Point, Ramapo College, SUNY Maritime, Kings Point, and the College of New Rochelle. Freshman Jessica Barrera was the first Monroe finisher for the women in a time of 23:56. She was 17th overall out of 60 runners. Read about it on CBOE Read about it in AllAfrica
"What was most impressive about Ansu's victory is that he can ultimately do better," said Coach Mark Goodman. "Today he basically stayed right behind the leaders for most of the race and simply overtook them all at the end. It was a strong race, but more importantly, if he continues to train vigorously, his future is bright."
The Open was Monroe's XC team's first meet of the season, ending the long preseason training. Last year Monroe had its first-runner to ever compete in the national cross country race. Certainly with Sowe's performance at West Point, hopes are high for this season.
Top Monroe finishers for the Men
Ansu Sowe 17:11.30
Matthew Pluviose 19:58.80
Lashley Winter 20:07.20
Damion Walker 20:35.10
Top Monroe finishers for the Women
Jessica Barrera 23:56.00
Naomi Hughey 28:27.50
Manaiza kelley 29:54.30
The next cross country meet is Sept 8th - the "Fordham Fiasco" in Van Cortlandt Park.
Cross Country schedule
Photos by Bronx photographer Victor Chu. |