CLINTON, MS- The Millsaps Majors men's cross-country team got the 2014 season off on a fine note with a third place finish at the MC Opener at Choctaw Trails.
Senior Ben Parva led the Majors with a sterling fifth-place overall finish. Parva clocked in with a time of 16:11.31 including a 5:12.7 average mile. This was his best time on the Choctaw Trails course
"He got out in the lead pack and ran near even splits," Coach Andy Till said. " Ben built a great aerobic base over the summer averaging 75-80 miles a week. Without a doubt he is ready for his senior season.
"I am very proud of how our team fought as a whole and with heavy hearts as we dedicated our performance to Kelly O'Mahoney, her family and her legacy." Parva said after the meet." A strong fighter, we hope we embodied even a fraction of the spirit Kelly put forth everyday in her battle. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the doctors, nurses friends and family of Kelly O'Mahoney."
O'Mahoney, a Mississippi College soccer player, lost her battle with a rare form of brain cancer on Friday night.
Fellow senior Travis Hebeler was not far behind Parva, checking in with a time of 17:23.64 and a 13th-place finish. Hebeler was clocked with a 5:32 average mile time. This was also a course PR for the senior.
Also placing for the Majors were Ken Newburger and Jared Allen who finished neck-and-neck with 21st and 24th place finishes, respectfully. Newburger edged his fellow junior by about two second with his time of 17:57.53 to Allen's 18:00.62.
Rounding out the scoring for the Majors were Michael Sullivan and Sam Martin. The freshman earned a 33rd place finish in his first collegiate run. Sullivan recorded a 18:34.84 overall time and a 5:58 mile split.
"Michael ran a gutsy race," Till said. "He's still adjusting to the training and college life. Michael is the future of the program and we are excited to have him on board."
The senior Martin was not far behind, finishing 38th with a time of 18:53.84.
Millsaps looks to build off this solid start next weekend when they travel to Sewanee to race the Sewanee Golf Course in the Sewanee Invitational.
