McDaniel, Christopher finish first on new frontier

McDaniel, Christopher finish first on new frontier
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By Kevin Spradlin
TriStateRunnur.com

MORGANTOWN, W.Va., June 25 -- Lance McDaniel established a new first on Friday at the inaugural Hawk Trail 5K Run at University High School.

Sure, he was first among 85 finishers to the finish line with a time of 16 minutes, 25.64 seconds. But he also is the first first-place finisher on a brand-new course at the Hawks campus in Morgantown.The site will also play host to the high school NCAC Championship meet this fall and served as a preview of sorts for many teen runners.

McDaniel, a newly minted Concord University graduate in graphic design, set a 5K cross country personal best on a rather fast course that featured a spectator-friendly opening loop, only a couple of inclines and two wooden bridge crossings before another loop-de-loop to the finish line.

Brian DeCosta edged Grantsville, Md., resident Ryan Bowser for second overall in 17:11.46. Bowser was third in 17:14.36.

Kaylyn Christopher cruised to the women's title in 18:32.74. She bested runner-up Sarah Martinelli by nearly 50 seconds. Martinelli finished in 19:21.53 and Kristen Maraney was third in 21:06.71.