PROVO -- The Alumni Invitational provided an opportunity for both teams to get their first action of the season. It also played stage for a few alumni to shine.

All-American Josh Rohatinsky led the way for the men, winning his second Alumni Invitational in as many years. He finished the four-mile course with a time of 19:46.3, which is four seconds faster than last year's time.

"It felt good to get the kinks out and come back from the summer," Rohatinsky said. "It was nice to get out here and see where everybody is at."

Alumni runner Nathan Robison, from last year's team, crossed the finish line second, followed by Chandler Goodwin, Dustin Bybee, Tyrel Jensen and Josh McAdams.

The women's three mile followed the men, and alumni runner Rena Chesser came away with the win in a time of 17:50.3. Amber Harper came in second just six seconds later.

Other standouts for the women were BYU-Hawaii transfer Chelsea Smith-McKell, who placed third. Fourth place was true freshman Jocelyn Gardner, while last year's Alumni Invitational winner Anne Heiner came in fifth and return missionary Breanne Sandberg crossed the finish line sixth.

The Cougar's next meet will be Saturday Sept. 10, when they play host at Cascade Golf Course in Orem.

Men's 4 Mile:
1-  Josh Rohatinsky       19:46.3
3-  Chandler Goodwin      20:14.8
4-  Dustin Bybee          20:15.1
5-  Tyrel Jensen          20:18.2
6-  Josh McAdams          20:23.1
Women's 3 Mile
2-  Amber Harper         *17:56.8  
3-  Chelsea Smith-Mckell  17:59.7
4-  Jocelyn Gardner       17:59.9
5-  Anne Heiner           18:07.1
6-  Breanne Sandberg      18:08.8
7-  Ann Marie Thomas      18:33.3
* Unattached

PROVO -- The 2005 men's and women's cross country teams open their season Friday September 2, with the BYU Alumni Invitational.

The race is open not only to BYU alumni, but also anyone in the community who would like to take the challenge and race against the cougar teams.

Coach Patrick Shane said he is excited about this year's team and the way they have come together.

"We had a great camp," he said. "We spent a week training together and doing team building activities. The chemistry this year is exceptional. Better than we've had for a while."

Shane also said he is very please with several of his returning runners and the shape they are in. He said the team is young but full of talent, and he is excited to see some of his newly recruited runners get some experience.

The men's head coach, Ed Eyestone, said he too is pleased with his team and their camp. He said the team has been working hard and is looking forward to starting the season at the Alumni Invitational.

"This will be a great opportunity for people to come out and see the new teams, and get some watermelon afterwards," Eyestone said. "It should be a fun evening."

The Cougars will race under the lights at the intramural fields west of Lavell Edwards Stadium. The meet begins with the men's 4 mile at 8:30 pm followed by the women's 5K at 9:00 pm.