By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Fort Hays State men’s cross country team completed the Rim Rock Farm Collegiate Classic on Saturday (Sept. 29) with a strong fourth-place finish. The Tigers led all Division II opponents, defeating fellow-MIAA squad Nebraska-Kearney in a tie with the Lopers holding the advantage in the top spot of the team, but the Tigers were the better squad in the 2-5 spots on the team.
The Tigers compiled 118 team points in the race, outrunning the other three MIAA teams in the event. Host-school, Kansas, claimed the team title with only 27 points.
Israel Barco finished 15th in the field, crossing the finish line in 25:20.4, shedding nearly 32 seconds off for his new personal-best. Robbie Schmidt navigated the course in 25:33.6, finishing 23th overall and fourth among Division II competition. Schmidt set a personal-record in the eight-kilometer race after shaving off 28.5 seconds from his previous-best time.
Alex Barbosa (25:42.2) and Justin Moore (25:43.1) finished within one second of each other, placing 25th and 26th, respectively. Reed Rome rounded out the Tigers scoring after completing the course in 25:48.4, finishing 29nd overall. Barbosa, Moore and Rome each set new personal records in the race.
The Tigers will have two weeks off before hosting the FHSU Tiger Open. The first of four races are slated to commence at 9 a.m. at the Sand Plum Nature Trail in Victoria, Kan. on Saturday, October 13th.