Sept. 21, 2009

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Senior Desinia Johnson (Raleigh, N.C.) was the top North Carolina Central University women's finisher in 16th place, during the UNC Challenge (Sept. 18) with her second-best career time at NCCU of 19 minutes, 38 seconds.

"UNC and Richmond have strong cross country programs, said NCCU head coach Michael Lawson. "They run the entire course fast I was pleased to see Desinia compete at their level."

Johnson was followed shortly by fellow NCCU senior Ashley Cooke (Hampton, Va.), who completed the 3.1 mile (5k) course in 19th place with a time of 20:10, and NCCU freshman Taisha Parkins (Brooklyn, N.Y.) placed 20th with a time of 21:59.

NCCU junior James Kukat (Nakuru, Kenya) completed the 4.9 mile (8k) course with a 15th place finish in 27:22. NCCU freshmen Rashawn Council (Winston-Salem, N.C.) and Devin Williams (Rocky Mount, N.C.) made their debut appearances finishing the course at 17th and 18th place. Council completed the course in 30:06 and Williams concluded the course in 36:13.

NCCU placed third in the overall team standings during the meet. The University of Richmond Spiders won both the men's and women's events. On the men's side, the Spiders edged past the Tar Heels by one point, 28-29. On the women's side, the Spiders blew past the Tar Heels by a seven point margin, 25-32.

The Eagles will participate in the Greensboro Cross Country Invite Saturday, Sept. 26 in Greensboro, N.C.

NCCU Individual Results

Men's Results

James Kukat: 27:22

Rashawn Council: 30:06

Devin Williams: 36:13

Charles Lindsay: 37:44

Women's Results

Desinia Johnson: 19:38

Ashley Cooke: 21:10

Crystal Shepherd: 23:50

Harmony Cross: 29:20