The LSU men’s and women’s cross country teams finished their seasons at the South Central Regionals on Saturday in Waco, Texas, failing to qualify for the NCAA National Championship meet.
The Tigers finished No. 13 out of 17 teams, besting all Louisiana schools. The Lady Tigers finished No. 19 out of 23 teams, losing the state crown by 44 points to Tulane. A top-two team finish was required to advance to the NCAA Championship.
The Tigers were led by senior Cullen Doody, who finished No. 46 overall in 32:38.6 for 10,000-meters.
“Individually I did a little worse than [the Southeastern Conference championship meet] but as a team we did a little better,” Doody said.
Doody finished No. 19 in the SEC championship meet in a career best time of 24:53.43 for 8,000-meters.
Doody was followed by redshirt senior Richard Chautin who finished No. 52 overall in 32:49.
“It was my and Richard’s last race, so it was a little bitter sweet,” Doody said. “I had a really good season, so overall my senior cross [country] season was definitely successful, even though it ended on a slightly disappointing note.”
Junior Roger Cooke regained his position as LSU’s third runner, finishing No. 83 overall in 33:47.2. Redshirt freshman Bryan Mutell had a career best performance good for fourth on the team, finishing No. 98 in 34:37.6.
“I’d say it was my best [race] of the year,” Mutell said. “Up until this race I was a little underwhelmed with my own season, but I was very satisfied with how I ran today.”
Mutell was followed by redshirt freshman Philip Primeaux, who finished No. 100 overall in 34:49.2.
The Lady Tigers were led by junior Charlene Lipsey, who finished No. 67 overall in 22:55.5 for 6,000-meters. Junior Leigh-Ann Naccari finished 5.8 seconds behind Lipsey with a time of 23:01.3 good for No. 73 overall.
“I think the girls’ team did well overall, especially considering the conditions on the course,” Naccari said. “Many of the girls were able to improve upon their performances from last year, so hopefully that will carry over to the track season and cross country next year.”
Mutell said the course boasted winds stronger than 25 miles per hour and most of the course ran against it.
Juniors Brea and Dakota Goodman finished No. 107 and No. 118 overall in 24:07.1 and 24:31.4, respectively. Junior Laura Aleman was the last scorer for the Lady Tigers finishing No. 141 overall in 25:30.2.
Overall, the team was content with their performance and their season as a whole.
“I think the team has been pretty successful this year,” Mutell said. “Cullen has had a stellar season and I think this year has set us up for greater success in the next few