WESTMINSTER, Md.--The Hood College cross country team traveled to McDaniel College to participate in the Green Terror Long-Short Challenge Saturday, a contest between nine schools and a number of unattached runners featuring races held over 5,000 and 3,000 meters.

Freshman Brett Shelley had the top finish on the day as the 11th college finisher on the long course (12th overall), earning medalist honors. He returned a half-hour later to match the feat on the short course, again finishing as the 11th college runner.

The Hood men finished fifth in both team contests. William Andrews ran No. 2 for the Blazers in both races. His highest finish was 17th on the short course. Blair Ames ran No. 3 in both races, the 21st finisher on the short course.

“Brett looks very strong early on,” said Ayer. “Once we get out of the hills next week, I think he will just shred his personal records. He is off to a nice start to his college career. I thought we were a little flag in some places, but I can’t fault the effort. Four of the men voluntarily doubled back in the second race. That shows some character.”

Rounding out the scoring on the men’s side was Brendan Greenlees, who competed in his 28th race in a Hood College cross country jersey, the second-most in program history. Greenlees was the 34th college finisher on the long course.

Dan Gudeman also competed in both races finishing as the 31st team finisher on the 3,000 meter course. Following in 34th was Jordan McNeill who finished his first college race.

The events were held in a steady drizzle on the hilly course.

Hood next travels to York, Pa., for the York College Invitational held at John Ruddy County Park at 10:30 a.m.

TOWSON, Md.--Four members of the Hood College men's cross country team traveled to Oregon Ridge Park for the Baltimore Metro Meet hosted by Towson University Friday.

In his first collegiate race, freshman Brett Shelley was Hood's top finisher, completing the course in 17:42.36. His time was good for 34th of 64 competitors. Senior Blair Ames clocked a time of 18:37.44 for 47th, classmate Brendan Greenlees followed close behind in 18:56.22 and newcomer Dave Gudeman, Jr., crossed the tape in 19:11.33.

"Brett and Dave both ran their first college races and did well," said head coach Brent Ayer. "There will be some pick up in time and places later in the year as we learn to race more efficiently, but they are off to nice starts. Brett narrowly missed his high school PR in his first college meet and on hills. Brendan was nearly 30 seconds faster than the last time he ran this course."

The freshman duo of Justus David and Kipkorir Daniel Mutai of Morgan State finished 1-2 in 16:05.04 and 16:07.11, respectively.

The Blazers return to action Saturday,. Sept. 12, at the Green Terror Long-Short Invitational hosted by McDaniel College beginning at 9:30 a.m.