BOCA RATON, Florida — The University of The Bahamas Mingoes men and women’s cross country teams finished in 11th and 6th at the 10th annual Florida Atlantic Invitational at South County Regional Park in Boca Raton, Florida, over the weekend.

The men’s team finished with 325 points while the women’s scored 185 points. Both teams ran five kilometers (3.1 miles) Friday. 

Lhevinne Joseph was the top competitor for The Mingoes, finishing 68th out of 94 competitors in 19 minutes 1.74 seconds. 

“We ran a bit too fast the first mile,” Joseph said. “I wished that we would have paced ourselves a bit better and ran an average of about six minutes a mile and that would have gotten us to about 18 minutes.”

Joseph said the competition’s pace overall was incredible. 

“From the first mile everyone was gone,” he said. “Everyone was running fast from the gun. We ran about 5:30 the first mile and everyone else was going 4:50 or 4:40. Unfortunately we just could not keep up.”

Jackson Ozias was about 20 seconds behind Joseph in 19:22.81 for 73rd spot. Kenold Jean was right behind Ozias in 19:29.91 for 74th spot. Dennis Williamson placed 77nd in 20:26.37 and freshman Christopher Minors finished 79th in 20:59.48. 

“I think the boys went a bit too fast to start,” head coach Ednal Rolle said. “The field went out very fast as well and this field was more competitive than last year. We didn’t perform how I expected. We performed much better last year and it’s a lot of work for us to get back on track and as strong as we were last year.”

Twelve teams competed for the men and six on the ladies’ side.

For The Mingoes women, freshman Marquell Newbold was the top finisher in 25:20.21 for 65th spot. 

“This is the longest I have ever run as I’m a sprinter,” Newbold said. “I used the final hill on the last lap to give some momentum to carry me to the finish line.”

Michal Bullard – another freshman – placed second for the team and 68th overall in 25:44.50. 

Nancy Joseph took third spot for the team and 73rd overall in 31:31.35 and Kaiya Cambridge was right behind Joseph in 31:57.55.  Katrenel Dean placed fifth for the team and 76th overall. 

“I know the girls were not as strong as the boys but it was a great performance from Marquell Newbold as she was able to lead the team,” Rolle said. 

Rolle said he felt as if the freshmen were a bit nervous but were able to get over that hurdle. 

“I think we just needed to get the first one out and under their belt,” he said. “We will be stronger at our next competition. We have a lot of work to do.”

Both teams are expected to next compete at The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Cross Country Invitational in Daytona Beach on September 21.