Nov. 20, 2010

CARY, NC - Fayetteville State cross country runners Ernest Hawkins and Tamikka Portee competed in the NCAA Division II Cross Country Atlantic Regional at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday.

Hawkins finished the 10-kilometer course in 35 minutes, 12.6 seconds, placing 155th overall among a total of 187 runners.

Portee ran the 8K course in 28:31.6, placing 143rd overall in the 179-runner event.

Hawkins qualified for the regional meet after placing 17th overall at the CIAA Cross Country Championship on Oct. 20. Hawkins completed the 6K course in Cary in 28 minutes, 30.2 seconds to pace the Fayetteville State men's team.

"As a true freshman, running the times he's run has been phenomenal," says FSU head coach James Williams.

Portee (Sr., Jacksonville, NC) reached the regional after claiming the 16th spot overall in the CIAA Championship. Portee covered the Cary 5K course in 21:27.5 to earn a trip to the Atlantic Regional.

"I wish I could have her back for another season," says Williams. "She's been great for us. I just wish I had her for more time."

Both Hawkins and Portee have been the class of their respective teams at Fayetteville State. In each of the Broncos' meets during the regular season, Hawkins and Portee were the first Fayetteville State runners to cross the finish line.