By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Fort Hays State men’s cross country team wrapped up a special 2019 season with a 29th-place finish at the NCAA DII National Championships Saturday (Nov. 23) at the Arcade Creek Cross Country Course.
The Tigers picked up 629 points on the day, led by Robbie Schmidt. The junior completed the 10-kilometer course in 31:49.5, finishing 125th in the field of 268 runners. Justin Moore was the 132nd runner to cross the line, turning in a time of 31:51.8.
Reed Rome was the next Tiger across the line, placing 148th with a time of 31:59.7. Seppe van ‘t Westende crossed the line in 32:07.9 to finish 159th, while Kaleb Crum ran the race in 32:16.6 to place 171st. Israel Barco finished in 185th place with a time of 32:29.2 and Peter Franklin placed 232nd with a time of 33:24.0.
Colorado School of Mines captured the national title with 57 points after placing five runners in the top 20. Ezra Mutai of American International won the race in a time of 29:31.2.
After a strong fall outdoors, the Tigers will transition inside for the indoor track and field season. The Crimson & Gold Invite, the first meet of the season, is scheduled for December 7 in Pittsburg, Kan.
Complete Fort Hays State Results
125 – Robbie Schmidt – 31:49.5
132 – Justin Moore – 31:51.8
148 – Reed Rome – 31:59.7
159 – Seppe van ‘t Westende – 32:07.9
171 – Kaleb Crum – 32:16.6
185 – Israel Barco – 32:29.2
232 – Peter Franklin – 33:24.0