LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The UCLA cross country team closed out its season Saturday at the NCAA Championships, held at E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park. The men's team finished 14th overall while freshman Carolina Johnson placed 75th.
"We ran tough as a team and should hold our heads high," UCLA cross country coach Forest Braden said. "Proud of this team and what we were able to accomplish this season. Although we have a senior heavy team, we have key guys coming back hungry and I expect the motivation and desire to improve on this performance to be high."
The men were led by senior Lane Werley, who earned All-American honors for the second time in his career. Werley crossed the line in 21st place with a time of 30:13 on the 10k course.
"Lane was absolutely nails out there today," Braden said. "As always he never backs down and never gives up. He pushes through the mental and physical pain and makes it happen. He did that again today on the biggest stage. He should be very proud of his race today and of his UCLA cross country career."
Senior Sergey Sushchikh was the next finisher for the Bruins, clocking a 31:08.3 to place 119th overall. Junior Jonah Diaz followed in 122nd with a time of 31:09.7 while senior Nick Hartle finished 127th with a time of 31:11.6.
Sophomore Myles Smith came in 148th with a time of 31:25.7 while Ferdinand Edman was 181st with a time of 31:45.2 and Sean Davis ran a 31:59.2 to place 200th.
Johnson closed out her stellar freshman campaign by running a 20:40.7 on the 6k course to finish 75th overall.
"Carolina had a very good freshman season," Braden said. "There are things to work on to improve like always but she has done a tremendous job and will lead this women's team for years to come."