Men's Results | Women's Results

Photo Gallery (images by Rob Garcia)

Palo Alto, CA – Academy of Art University men's and women's cross country went up against some of the best runners in the country Saturday morning out at the 2013 Stanford Invitational. Competing on the Stanford Golf Course, the men's squad placed 11th overall of 16 Division II teams led by Nicolas Rifflard at 35th overall on the 8k course. On the women's side, Arianna Michaels was the top finisher for ART U with a 23:56 on the 6k course.

"Today was our first race at the full 6k and 8k distance for the women and men and, for most of the athletes, it was their first race of this distance ever," associate head coach Torrey Olson said. "It was a new experience for most of the team and there were good things that we saw, but we also have a lot of work to do. It was a great learning experience and, in cross country, the end of the season is what matters so I think we're on track for where we need to be at that time. Today will be a step in that direction."

For the men, Rifflard was battling out the 8k race with a pair of runners from Fresno State and a duo from Chico State as well as Dominican's top competitor. He ended up posting a 25:56 which tied him with Fresno's Danny Vartanian and the Wildcats' Alex McGuirk.

"Nicolas got into his first collegiate cross country race and he looked great out there," Coach Olson said. "In the past, I've seen Nicolas run middle distance track races, but he showed he's a competitor in all distances. As he builds momentum this season, I'm excited to see what he can do in November."

Backing up Rifflard was Jack Nevins who placed 93rd with a time of 26:46. Coming in 128th was Austin Esposito (27:35) and Temarius Walker added a 28:22 for 172nd place overall. The fourth and fifth finishers for ART U were Logan Means (191st, 29:14) and Conrad Larson (195th, 29:20) respectively.

Meet host Stanford won the men's title outright thanks to Erik Olson who placed first (24:25) while the top Division II finishers were Colorado School of Mines led by Derek Alcorn who took fourth (25:04). In 11th overall of DII, Academy of Art topped Cal State Stanislaus, William Jessup, UC Merced, Cal State East Bay, and PacWest foe Notre Dame de Namur.

The women's team was paced by Michaels who captured 109th with her 23:56 time. The second finisher was Kaelyn Harbison who came in at 160th overall, crossing the line at 24:51. Madeline Dignadice added a mark of 25:37 which put her 183rd and Kayla Pritchett added a 29:44 for a 209th place result.

Stanford was again the meet winner after Jessica Tonn and Aisling Cuffe each turned in 21:00 marks while Division II was led by Chico State and Ayla Granados (2nd, 22:14).

The Urban Knights return to action on Oct. 11 for the San Francisco State Invitational out at Golden Gate Park. Academy of Art University students will have an opportunity to cheer on the cross country teams, then partake in a Recreational Sports Day in the park. Sign up for this and other "Rec Sports Days" by clicking HERE.