Salem College hosted the First Annual Piedmont Cross-Country Classic Saturday, September 9, 2006. The tough 5000 meter course is comprised of one huge hill and routes that run between the athletic fields of Salem College.

In the women’s race, the Spirits of Salem College dominated the competition finishing all six runners in the top nine spots. 

Rachel Fichthorn, the sophomore captain from Nokesville, Virginia, won the overall individual title in a time of 22:07. First year student-athlete Lauren Meek (Draper, Virginia) placed second with a time of 23:37. For the past two weeks, both Rachel and Lauren have placed 1-2 in their races.

Jordan Joyce of Greensboro College broke up the perfect score for Salem College by finishing 3rd overall. Salem's Julie Bigsby (Salisbury, NC) placed fourth, followed by Mae Sanders (Winston-Salem, NC) and Rachel Aderholdt (North Augusta, GA). Ariel Sanders (Monroe, NC) placed ninth overall out of 23 runners to help the Spirits finish their six runners in the top nine of the race.

“The team responded very well today as they defended their home course,” Coach JP Widner said after the meet. “Our ladies have worked very hard during the week, and as you can see, their effort has paid off in a victory for the second week in a row. This is a tough course, and it really takes off about 1 ½ minutes from your average 5K time. The team just grinds through the course and eventually wears out the competition. I’m one proud coach today as these fine student-athletes represented Salem College well.”

The final scores were Salem College 18, Greensboro College 52, Ferrum College 73 and Chowan University 81.

In the men’s race, Greensboro College won the overall team championship with their top runner Francois Theriault winning overall in a time of 19:11.

Next Saturday, Salem will host the Salem College Cross Country Invitational with Wellesley College (MA), Peace College, Chowan University, North Carolina Wesleyan College, Southern Virginia University and Mary Baldwin College.