NEW ORLEANS – The youthful University of New Orleans cross country team got its first taste of action Friday evening. Despite being inexperienced, the group of mostly freshmen performed admirably. However, it was a couple of seniors shining brightest for the Privateers.
Emily Martinez and
Aaron Albert were the top finishers for UNO at the New Orleans Cross Country Invitational, Friday, September 1, at Lake Oaks Park.
Martinez, a senior from Canyon, Texas, turned in the fastest time for New Orleans, covering 5 kilometers in 21:56.16, and UNO distance coach
Adam Carlisle was pleased.
"It's big to have Emily leading this young group and we're excited to have her out here competing again."
On the men's side, Carlisle expected a great deal from senior transfer student-athlete
Aaron Albert. The Baton Rouge native did not disappoint, finishing 9
th in the field of 48 at 16:00.16.
"We knew he was really fit but he even exceeded expectations. It's going to be exciting to see when we move up to 8-k how he handles it and get to see him in Southland competition," said Carlisle.
The next fastest Privateer finisher was freshman
Kaleb Chanet.  In his first taste of collegiate competition, Chanet finished 19
th covering 5 kilometers in 16:57.96.
 "We knew that he was talented, a local kid and we are really excited to have him. But he competed really well especially for his first collegiate race. I was really impressed."
Louisiana- Lafayette was the first place team on the men's side edging LSU by a mere four points. LSU was tops among the women with 24 points. Louisiana-Lafayette was second with 36 points.
Following this week's opener, UNO's next cross country competition is set for Saturday, September 9 in the Allstate Sugar Bowl Cross Country Festival at Lafreniere Park in Metairie.Â
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For more information on New Orleans Cross Country and Privateers Athletics, visit our official website,
www.unoprivateers.com or follow us on social media.
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