TABOR COLLEGE: Harriers compete at Midstates Classic
The Bluejay cross country team could have taken an easier road than the one it chose to travel Oct. 18 to Winfield for the NAIA Mid-States Classic hosted by Southwestern.
But with the regional meet coming Nov. 9 in Lincoln, Neb., Bluejay coach Karol Hunt thought the Classic would be an ideal tune-up for regionals.
"We could have entered a less competitive meet this weekend," Hunt said of the Classic. "But I viewed the Mid-States Classic as better preparation for the regional meet Nov. 9."
Running against some of the best cross country programs that the NAIA has to offer, the Lady Bluejays took 12th out of 13 schools with 233 points.
Doane finished first overall in the women's division with 71 points while the hosting Moundbuilders placed first in the men's division with 64 points.
"Although our finish places are not what we have been having," Hunt said, "we posted some of our best times.
"Eight out of 11 runners either ran a personal record or a season best time. The NAIA Mid-States Classic is a very competitive meet with some of the top ranked teams in the nation running."
With only four competitors, the men's team has yet to be awarded a team score this season, overshadowed by the success of the women.
That hasn't put the brakes on the men's team from progressing though.
For the first time, Kevin Nickel eclipsed the 28:00 barrier, taking 66th in 27:55.
Ryan Sperling ran a season-best time of 30:06 for 113th out of 134 runners.
Five spots in back of Sperling and 38 seconds later came freshman Matt Lynam, whose time of 30:44 also was a personal record.
"Matt is progressing well in running an eight kilometer," said Hunt. "He is continuing to become stronger physically and mentally in his racing."
Will Higerd may have placed 130th, but he sped up nearly a minute for a personal best time of 32:58.
In women's action it was Angie Jost again pacing the field for the Bluejays with a 19th place finish.
One of her toughest races of the season, Jost still turned in a personal record time of 19:38.
Twenty-eighth place finisher Karen Patton came within a second of tying her personal record time of 20:08 which she set at the Bluejays' previous meet.
Emily Aldis continued her role as the third runner for the women in a 59th place time of 21:29.
Strong efforts in practice helped Tia Akers set a season best time of 22:46 for 83rd place.
The same could be said for 85th finisher Sarah Frick in a record time of 22:50.
Esther Richert took 89th in 23:14, 37 seconds quicker than 93rd Erin Voth.
The Bluejays will return to Bill Burke Park in Salina Nov. 2 for the KCAC meet.
Women begin running at 10:30 a.m. with the men starting 45 minutes later.
Women's results
19. Jost, 19:38. 28. Patton, 20:09. 59. Aldis, 21:29. 83. Akers, 22:46. 85. Frick, 22:50. 89. Richert, 23:14. 93. Voth, 23:51.
Men's
66. Nickel, 27:55. 113. Sperling, 30:06. 118. Lynam, 30:44. 130. 32:58.
