By Kandace Watkins
ncataggies.com contributor

Durham - Junior Paris Simmons led a dominating performance for the North Carolina A&T men's cross country team as three Aggies finished the 8K run under 28 minutes on Saturday at the N.C. Central Cross Country Classic. Simmons finished first against the conference rival with a time of 26:45.58.  

N.C. A&T occupied the first five positions with senior Danzeto Cephas in second with a time of 27:27.39, followed by freshman Christian Harrison, junior Steven Liggins and freshman Saeed Jones

The ladies also had a strong showing with three runners finishing in the top five in the 5K run. Junior Janessa Benn finished second overall with a time of 18:47.44; junior Kristin Rush took fourth with a time of 19:40.16; and Sameria Johnson placed fifth with a time of 19:47.25.

"We had a great meet today," said associate head coach James Daniels. "I am very pleased with our overall team performances and individual performances. They have worked very hard this season with some very intense training and it is really paying off."

The Aggies are now looking forward to the MEAC Cross Country Championships to be held October 28 in Princess Anne, M.D.

Men's 8K Results

Simmons (NCAT) - 26:45.58
Cephas (NCAT) - 27:27.39
Harrison (NCAT) - 27:37.41
Liggins (NCAT) - 28:26.09
Jones (NCAT) - 28:30.24
J. Jones (NCCU) - 29:00.13
Omozokpi (NCAT) - 29:11.47
Swepson (NCCU) - 31:16.26
Boye-Wean (NCCU) - 32:32.48
Addison (NCCU) - 33:46.09
Atakora (NCCU) - 33:47.23
Pratt (NCCU) - 33:54.52
Corbitt (NCCU) - 34:32.37
Roper (NCCU) - 35:28.40
Brown (NCCU) - 37:12.13
Moe (NCCU) - 37:54.44

Women's 5K Results

Brooks (NCCU) - 18:45.88
Benn (NCAT) - 18:47.44
Wallace (NCCU) - 18:52.41
Rush (NCAT) - 19:40.16
Johnson (NCAT) - 19:47.25
Betts (NCAT) - 19:58.32
Parkins (NCCU) - 20:48.44
Conquest (NCCU) - 21:52.66
Hunt (NCCU) - 22:00.16
Long (NCCU) - 22:23.41
Ballard (NCCU) - 23:43.94
Gore (NCCU) - 26:55.38