By Jen Dietrich
OXFORD, Ala. – The Auburn cross country team opened the 2022 season in fine fashion Friday at the Foothills Invitational as the Tiger women won the team race, while the men were second overall. Sophomores Hallie Porterfield and Cooper Atkins led the Tigers in each of their respective races, as both finished second overall.
On the women's side, the Tigers took four of the top five spots, led by Porterfield's silver, equaling her finish at the same meet a year ago. The Birmingham native crossed the 4k finish line in 14:01.27.
"I'm really happy to see Hallie and Samantha Rogers leading the way for our program and run very controlled and strong races," said Auburn cross country coach Aaron Kindt.
Auburn swept the second through fifth spots as Rogers (14:05.37) finished in third place followed by senior Hannah Tarwater (14:20.64), and sophomore Hannah Thuss (14:30.79).
"We also had really good performances by the two Hannah's, who have improved a lot this summer and showed they are capable of helping the team this year," Kindt said.
In their Auburn debut, freshman Kali Holden (15:15.97) finished 13th and Hailey Marston (15:21.39) finished 19th.
On the men's side, Atkins led the group of top Tiger finishers on the men's side, crossing in 15:37.89. Atkins was accompanied by newcomers Joseph Perry, Isaiah Billingsley, and Ethan Snyder who finished third, fourth and tenth respectfully.
"Cooper did a really great job and ran a strong race despite coming in not feeling super fresh," said Kindt. "I thought Isaiah, Joseph, and Ethan, all true freshman, competed really well for us and I'm excited for their future."
The young group of Perry (15:39.37), Billingsley (15:40.76), and Snyder (15:47.35) were accompanied by freshman Trey Hurt (16:04.08) to round out the scoring.
Auburn will be back in action Friday, September 16 as the Tigers head to Huntsville, Alabama to compete in the North Alabama Showcase at John Hunt Cross Country Course.
2022 Foothills Invitational
Choccolocco Park Sports Complex
Oxford, Ala.
Women's Results (4k)
1. Auburn, 27 pts
Auburn Individual Results
2. Hallie Porterfield, 14:01.27
3. Samantha Rogers, 14:05.37
4. Hannah Tarwater, 14:20.64
5. Hannah Thuss, 14:30.79
13. Kali Holden, 15:15.97
19. Hailey Marston, 15:22.11
28. Breckin Gould, 15:33.41
Men's Results (5k)
2. Auburn, 35 pts
Auburn Individual Results
2. Cooper Atkins, 15:37.89
3. Joseph Perry, 15:39.37
4. Isaiah Billingsley, 15:40.76
10. Ethan Snyder, 15:47.35
19. Trey Hurt, 16:04.08
25. Dustyn Lewis, 16:16.46
28. Mark Foster, 16:20.18
47. Reese Bell, 16:49.34
59. Benson Atkins, 17:06.90