BALTIMORE-The Hood College cross country teams traveled to Goucher College Saturday to compete in the six-team Mid-Atlantic Invitational despite a persistent rainstorm that caused other teams to forfeit the competition.

"This is a demanding course when it is dry," said Brent Ayer, head women's and men's cross country coach. "It was miserable out there. We had runners get lost because course markings were underwater. The timing and scoring devices malfunctioned in the rain. Several athletes went down, some requiring medical attention. I fell while leading a course tour and trotting at nine minute per mile pace."

The Blazers found a way to overcome these obstacles, however, as women's senior captain Kelly Buriak finished 2nd overall-just 12 seconds behind the overall winner-to earn a medal for Hood.

Freshman Danielle Sgro earned the only other medal on the day for the Blazers by finishing in 8th place overall. Also scoring for the Hood women were Rachel Collmus (18th), Kyleigh Reynolds (21st) and Rachel Pectol (25th).

For the men, Faraz Shoai led the team by completing the course in 22nd place. Other men who scored for the Blazers were Brian Lentz, Robert Mitchell, Faizal Johnson and Kevin Worley.

"Kelly ran tough and smart, as she always does," said Ayer. "She moved up from about tenth at the mile. Rachel Collmus and Bryan seemed to get into the rain and the mud and gave spirited efforts."

Ayer said he is pleased with both the women's and men's performances and said that their efforts highlighted the character of both teams.

"I don't know how anyone could race on the course in this condition," said Ayer. "It speaks volumes about our athletes that everyone showed up to compete and made an honest effort."