NASHVILLE – The Trevecca Nazarene University cross country teams competed for the second time this season at Vaughn's Gap in Percy Warner Park, hosting its second meet of the season, the Michael Pretorius Invitational.
The women's team finished 3rd of 5.
Ashley Alsvig led the Trojans with a three second PR of 20:10.78. She finished as the second GSC athlete just behind Montevallo's Natalie Warner with a time of 20:05.93.
Hope Ilias also placed in the top 10 with a 20:32.39 effort.
The men's side finished 2nd of 5.
Shane West produced a team-best 27:18.40 for a PR and seventh place finish.
Joshua Novotny, who was the top Trojan in the previous two meets, came in two seconds behind West for an eighth-place finish at 27:20.97.
MEET ESSENTIALS
Women: 5K | 5 Teams | 44 Individuals
Men: 8K | 5 Teams | 53 Individuals
ABOUT THE MICHAEL PRETORIUS INVITATIONAL
The meet is named in honor of Michael Pretorius, an alumnus of the program who passed away July 31, 2022, following a second battle with cancer.
In partnership with Michael's family, the proceeds from the initial meet went to Cancer Crackdown. Cancer Crackdown is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organization founded to help support cancer fighters. They are an organization that helped support Michael and his wife Amanda during his battle with cancer.
The 2023 Michael Pretorius Invitational sent proceeds to a new organization, "Under the Willow," founded by Amanda Pretorius – named in his honor. Under the Willow will offer community, resources, and in-person retreats specifically for companions and caregivers of someone facing a diagnosis, so their stories can continue to bring hope, support, and life.
Michael Pretorius competed for Trevecca beginning in 2012 and was diagnosed with cancer during his senior season (2014-2015) following the fall cross country season. Michael got to work fighting cancer immediately and stayed enrolled in classes. He completed his initial treatment near the end of the outdoor track and field season and made an emotional and courageous return to the team. Michael ran and completed the 800m event at Rhodes. He eventually was cancer-free, but his cancer returned in 2019.
Trevecca has hosted home meets at Vaughn's Gap numerous times and hosted the Great Midwest Athletic Conference meet at the course.
TROJAN WOMEN / 5K
There were two Trojans with a PR for the women. Montevallo, the only other GSC member in the race, placed second. The Falcons were selected just ahead of the Trojans in the preseason GSC coach's poll.
* New PR set
TROJAN MEN / 8K
Six Trojans recorded a new PR today for the men. Montevallo, the only other GSC member in the race, won the race with four top-10 finishers. The Falcons were selected just ahead of the Trojans in the preseason GSC coach's poll.
* New PR set
UP NEXT
After a week off next Saturday, the Trojans return to action at the John C. Hunt Cross Country Course on October 12 when they take part in the University of Alabama-Huntsville hosted UAH Charger Invitational.
Both teams most recently competed in the UAH Invitational during the 2022 season when the men finished 28th and the women were 36th place finishers.
