Results

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – Norfolk State seniors Josef Tessema and Philemon Kimutai both broke the course record in sweeping the top two places Saturday at the season-opening Maryland Eastern Shore Lid-Lifter.

The Spartans, ranked 13th in the Southeast Region, placed second overall with 45 points, trailing only the Naval Academy (31). Tessema and Kimutai both finished the 8,000-meter course in 24 minutes, 59.12 seconds. Tessema's head crossed milliseconds before Kimutai, giving Tessema first by the slimmest of margins.

Both runners broke the previous course record of 24:59.96 set by former Spartan standout David Kemboi in 2005.

In his collegiate debut, Spartan sophomore Nathnael Meseret finished 14th overall (13th toward the team standing) in 26:42.50. Junior Vincent Rono was 18th overall (14th toward the team total) in 27:14.35, and another rookie, sophomore Damtew Adnew, was right behind in 27:20.

The Spartans are back in action this upcoming Friday at the Lou Onesty Invitational hosted by the University of Virginia.