Fort Hays State Cross Country finally had a regular distance race and finally had fair weather to run in and took full advantage.
Going into the race at Sand Plum Nature Trail head coach Jason McCullough felt that if both of his squads could manage top five placings that it would be a good day. The Tigers did not disappoint as the men and women placed third and fourth respectively.
“We are finally all working really together,” Ramsey McCarter said.
McCarter led the way for the women, as the sophomore and three other Tigers all placed within the top 30. McCarter placed 15th running 18 minutes 29 seconds. A pair of seniors backed up McCarter. Kylie Gaughan placed 17th and Marie Schaller was 23rd. Freshman Micki Krzensinki rounded out the top four at 30th.
The men’s team used a strong front pack on the free flowing course top get their top three finish.
Despite sickness, defending MIAA champion junior Cory Keehn led the Tigers placing 11th overall running 24:47. Senior issac Mills and junior Johny Bernasky both placed within the top 20. Mills placed 16th and Bernasky placed 17th.
“To repeat again this year (as MIAA champions), we are going to need is three towards the front,” Keehn said.
Junior Nathan Purdue ran a strong race placing 26th respectively.
“We competed very well,” McCollough said.
On the mens side, defending National Champions Adams State College (Colo.) won the meet with 33 points and fellow MIAA team Nebraska-Kearney was second with 76. Fort Hays scored 106 points.
Adams State took the women’s title as well with 54 points. Pittsburg State was second with 59 points, Nebraska-Kearney was third with 72 points, and Fort Hays scored 116 points. Four of the top five teams are all from the MIAA.
Next up for Fort Hays is the MIAA Conference Meet Oct. 26 in Pittsburg, Ks.