WILMINGTON, N.C. - Host UNC Wilmington swept its own Seahawk Invitational Cross Country meet for only the third time in the 21-year history of the event under ideal running conditions Friday at the campus athletic fields.

      The Seahawk women, with 25 points, won easily over second place East Carolina with 42 points. On the men's side, UNCW won a close race with 40 points, edging ECU at 43 points.

     "Our teams both ran fantastic," said Layne Schwier, UNCW's assistant track and field/cross country coach who works with the runners. "Obviously, you want to have a good showing on your home course in front of your family and friends and I think we did that. Our entire top five ran strong today in the men's race and they really stepped up their game. Our women had a very strong meet, too.

     "I was very proud of boh teams and how they performed today. Getting two wins is a lot of fun, but we have a lot of work to do over the next seven weeks. They both have a lot to prove and have set their goals high for the CAA meet. After today, I'm very encouarged about our possibilities."

      Individually, Methodist's Kristy Zeiler won the women's 5K with a time of 18:05. UNCW's Kathleen Casto and Bernadette O'Neil finished second and third with times of 18:10 and 18:17.

      In the men's race, UNC Pembroke's Pardon Ndhlovu clocked a 15:08 for first place. Campbell's Terence Attema came in second at 15:15 and UNCW sophomore Wil Zahorodny finished third at 15:17.

      UNCW also swept the men's and women's titles in 1990 and 1995.

      Women's Team Standings: UNC Wilmington (25), East Carolina (42), Campbell (66), UNC Pembroke (118), Meredith (144), St. Andrews (161).

      Men's Team Standings: UNC Wilmington (40), East Carolina (43), Campbell (76), UNC Pembroke (84), St. Andrews (128), Methodist (176).