Sept. 30, 2000

CHICAGO - It was a Windy City sweep for the University of Missouri cross country team at the Lakefront Invitational here Saturday morning.

The MU men scored 32 points and took spots 1-3 with senior Nick Smith winning in a time of 24:40. Smith was followed by junior Mike Pitts in second place (25:00) and senior Adam MacDowell in third (25:03). Junior Ryan Fitzgerald placed 10th (25:39), junior Steve Wade came in 16th (25:48) and senior Lee Tittle crossed the finish line in 18th place (25:50).

"Our guys ran a great race today," said Head Coach Jared Wilmes. "Nick Smith, Mike Pitts and Adam MacDowell had a great meet as usual, but Ryan Fitzgerald stepped up for us and we closed the gap between our first and fifth man."

Much like the men, the Missouri women took the top two spots and four of the top seven. The Tigers scored 50 points with senior Ann Marie Brooks (21:11) taking first place. She was followed by sophomore Kerry Hils (21:33) in second place, senior Katie Meyer (21:52) in sixth place and sophomore Amy Chipman (21:54) in seventh place. Katherine Bonugli (22:55) rounded out the top-50 for the Tigers. The freshman finished 34th.

"Both teams ran well and it was nice to beat some top competition. Ann Marie (Brooks) looked great, she was had really smooth form and it was also nice to have Katie Meyer back," Wilmes said.

The Tigers return to action next weekend Pre-Nationals hosted by Iowa State University.