EARLYSVILLE, Va. – The Norfolk State men's cross country team opened its 2008 season on Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Lou Onesty Invitational hosted by the University of Virginia at Panorama Farms. The Spartans placed fifth.

U.Va. finished first in both the men's and women's races.

The runners were hampered by a soaking rain and wet course by Tropical Storm Hanna.

First-year sophomore Josef Tessema (Springfield, Va.) led the Spartans by finishing 42nd in 26:46.82. Junior Jonathan Soimo (Kapsabet, Kenya) was right behind in 43rd, running a time of 26:47.48.

NSU is off for three weeks before returning to action on Sept. 27 at William & Mary.