Oct. 16, 2005

Fayetteville, Ark. - University of Houston senior Sesar Figueroa turned in the best performance of is career in a 10-kilometer race with a time of 30:13 at the University of Arkansas' Chili Pepper Invitational.

Competing as an individual in the race, Figueroa finished in 32nd place in the men's collegiate division and 36th overall.

"He really ran well today," Houston head coach Theresa Fuqua said. "Sesar knocked off 35 seconds from his previous career best. This was a much bigger meet than it has been in the past."

There were 38 teams competing in the men's division with NCAA defending champion Arkansas heading off a strong challenge from UTEP.

In the women's division, Houston had two runners competing. Freshman Kelcee Keenan was Houston's top performer with a time of 23:47.6. Sophomore Oumama Hallal had a time of 25:20.1.

The remaining runners on the Houston's cross country teams will compete at the Rice Invitational on Monday, October 17.