The Iowa State men’s and women’s cross country teams both posted top 20 finishes this past weekend at the Bob Timmons Invitational in Lawrence, Kan.

The women’s team placed 19th out of 32 teams, while the men placed 18th out of 35 teams.

On the women’s side, sophomore Andrea Crapisi once again led the Cyclones, finishing 45th in the 6,000 meter course in a time of 18:35. Crapisi has been consistent this year, leading the women’s team in two out of the three meets this year.

Junior Alienor Gilchrist crossed the finish line next for ISU, placing 68th in a time of 18:57. Gilchrist suffered a broken jaw prior to last weekend in a biking accident and was in considerable pain.

Stanford, ranked No. 2 in the nation, came out on top in the women’s competition.

Head Coach Dick Lee praised Gilchrist’s determination to finish the race when it looked as though she might not finish at one point.

Finishing behind Gilchrist was junior Emily Martini, finishing 98th, and Cara Van Eck, finishing 120th.

Overall, Lee said he was happy with his team’s performance and saw improvement compared to the last meet.

“We competed better in last week’s meet than in Minnesota,” Lee said.

On the men’s side, Samuel Magu led ISU, finishing 51st out of 259 runners, covering the 8,000 meter course in a time of 25:53.

Philemon Too followed right behind Magu finishing 52nd, while All-American David Lichoro finished the race 101st after being pushed down early in the race.

Stanford came out on top in the men’s competition also.

Head Coach Kevin Bourke saw some improvement in runners Magu and Too, but he pointed out that his runners need to get in better position more quickly.

“We need to get aggressive right away in the race,” Bourke said.

Both Lee and Bourke stressed the importance of getting in a better position early in the race so their times will improve and move them up a few places in the standings.

The men’s and women’s cross country teams return to their home turf on the Iowa State Cross Country Course at the Iowa State Memorial Classic October 17. The women run first at 10:30 a.m., followed by the men at 11 a.m.