Bluejay cross country team competes at Baker
The Tabor College cross country team opened its season Saturday morning at the Baker University Maple Leaf Invitational in Baldwin City.
Out of the 16 competing teams, which included several of the state's junior college programs, the Lady Bluejays finished sixth overall with 144 points.
Butler County was the overall winner in the women's class, edging out meet-host Baker 46-62.
Of the 15 schools competing in the men's division, Tabor did not place in the five-kilometer race.
Mid-America Nazarene's 29 points beat out runner-up Butler by 27 points.
As strong as the competition was, Bluejay cross country coach Carol Hunt was pleased with her team's performances.
"I think this was a strong start to the season," she said. "We have only a week and a half of workouts as a team, and it was a really hot day.
"An early meet like this sets the tone for the rest of the season, and I really like the tone that we set."
Three Lady Bluejays, paced by sophomore Angie Jost's sixth place finish of 12:26 in the 3200-meter race, placed in the top 25.
Jost was the only medalist for the women's team.
Karen Patton finished at 21st in 13:01, and Emily Aldis rounded out the top 25 15/100 of a second behind Patton.
Taking 52nd, Erin Voth showed a lot of improvement from her freshman season, finishing as the fourth-highest placer for the Lady Bluejays.
"It's positive for us to have the kind of depth that we have this season," said Hunt of the women's team.
Highlighting the meet for the men was Kevin Nickel's 43rd place finish in 17:39.
"He showed that he will be a strong performer in the KCAC this year," Hunt said.
Appearing in their first college meet, Matt Lynam and Will Higerd showed a lot of potential, finishing 91st and 100th, respectively.
"I am looking forward to watching them develop over the season," said Hunt of the freshman duo.
The Bluejays travel Saturday to Colorado Springs for the Colorado College Invitational.
The men's race begins at 9 a.m. with the women beginning an hour later.
Women's results
6. Jost, 12:26. 21. Patton, 13:01. 25. Aldis, 13:16. 52. Voth, 14:21. 58. Tia Akers, 14:47. 63. Esther Richert, 14:54. 67. Sarah Frick, 15:04.
Men's results
43. Nickel, 17:39. 76. Ryan Sperling, 18:42. 91. Lynam, 19:16. 100. Higerd, 20:00.
