DOYLESTOWN, Pa. - - The Wilmington University cross country teams enjoyed an impressive 2012 debut on Saturday morning as senior Bill Steele was the overall winner and the men's team finished one point behind the team winner while sophomore Althea Davidson and junior Jeanette Halliburton led the women's team to a fifth place finish at the Delaware Valley College Invitational.

Steele covered the eight-kilometer course in 28:03.12 to capture his first meet title in 2012 and helped lead a string of four Wildcats runners in the top 10. The Wildcats finished with a team total of 52 points, one off the team leader NCAA Division II Messiah College who won the event with 51 points. Steele outpaced the field by more than 11 seconds.

Sophomores Matt Mossman and Richie Mitten were second and third across the line for the Wildcats, finishing sixth and seventh overall, respectively. Mossman came home with a time of 28:56.67 while Mitten followed right behind with a time of 29:04.91.

Newcomer Jesus Amezquita was the first freshman finisher among fellow Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference schools competing in the DVC Invite, finishing ninth overall with a time of 29.13.97. The final runner who helped the team to a second place overall finish was sophomore Mike Wright who came in with a time of 31:02.50 and in 29th place.

The women were led by Davidson and Halliburton who finished second and third overall, respectively, helping the team to a fifth place team finish, third among fellow NCAA Division II schools. Davidson ran the 6k course in 24:31.08 with teammate Halliburton following close and coming in at 24:43.06.

The women had five members on the course, so all five counted towards the overall score for the team. Junior SaraBeth Oppermann scored in 42nd (54th runner to cross the line) with a time of 28:50.44 followed by freshman Morgan Ferrick who scored 51st (68th overall) with a time of 29:38.28 in her first collegiate race. Rounding out the scoring was senior Kristy McCrea who placed 71st (100th overall) with a time of 33:02.44.

Both squads return home for next week's 12th Annual Wilmington University Cross Country Invite held at Carousel Park in Wilmington. The women will kick start the event, as the gun is set to go off at 10 a.m. with the men to follow at 11:00 a.m.

AGATE:

Wilmington University Men's Cross Country Results at DVC Invitational, 8K Course:

Individual:
1. Bill Steele,  6. Matt Mossman, 7. Richie Mitten, 9. Jesus Amezquita, 29. Mike Wright, 55. Quinn Marvel, 65. Vinnie Trotta, 93. Brandon Parker

Team Scores:
1. Messiah (51 points), 2. Wilmington (52), 3. Philadelphia (57), 4. Nyack (155), 5. Eastern (164)

Wilmington University Women's Cross Country Results at DVC Invitational, 6K Course:

Individual:
2. Althea Davidson, 3. Jeanette Halliburton, 42. Sara Oppermann, 51. Morgan Ferrick, 71. Kristy McCrea

Team Scores:
1. Messiah (50 points), 2. Philadelphia (57), 3. Nyack (120), 4. Ursinus (131), 5. Wilmington (169)