The UTM cross country team made its 2004 debut with new head coach Gordon Sanders in the Memphis Twilight Classic Saturday.

The women’s team finished 13th with 333 points, while Mississippi State won the 16-team meet with 58 points.

Angelina Gracian and Shalaine Phaup led the way for the Skyhawks by averaging 6:17 per mile for the three-mile course to place 38th and 42nd respectively from the 130 entrants.

Meagen Sturdivant and Karen Taylor finished together for 93rd and 94th respectively with times of 21:30 and 21:33.

The Skyhawk men finished 12th with 334 points, while Harding University finished first with 42 points in the 17-team field.

Derrick Kenwright led the way for the Skyhawks by averaging 5:22 per mile for the four-mile course to place 46th out of 137 entrants. Philip Rhodes finished 80th in 23:02. James Thomka and Jay McCurdy finished together in 90th and 91st respectively. Robby Clapper finished in 95th place with a time of 23:56.

The Skyhawk runners return to action Saturday, Sept. 18, when they participate in the Western Kentucky Old Timer’s Classic in Bowling Green.